Conclusions & Recommendations
TEC 24
24.9.1 - Overview of progress to date in the Americas region
2021
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Americas
TEC recommends that ITI pursue discussions with PAHO to explore utilizing the Task Force for Global Health MOU with PAHO as an alternative mechanism for Zithromax® shipments to countries in the region.
Conclusion/Recommendation:
ITI and PAHO are currently in the process of drafting an agreement to facilitate this as of May 2022. This will be presented at TEC 27.
supply chain, recommendations for ITI management
TEC 24
24.8.1 - Tanzania
2021
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Africa - East
TEC recognizes that TIS and TSS data in several districts are coming back above threshold more often than expected, which may point to ‘persistence’, may indicate lagging TF, or may be the result of population migration. TEC recommends that ITI work with Tropical Data to discuss appropriate methodologies for trachoma surveys among nomadic populations, consider assessing infection, and/or consider pursuing operational research on more-frequent-than-annual MDA with intensified surveillance to address this.
Tanzania
Conclusion/Recommendation:
This recommendation was shared with the program in September 2021 and a follow-up email was sent to Tropical Data (TD) regarding survey development. This was also discussed during the WHO Informal Consultation meeting in December 2021. This issue is being addressed by the country and implementing partners, who have conducted a deep dive to determine the factors around program implementation or epidemiology driving this observation. The findings of the deep dive will be presented at TEC 27.
persistence, research, recommendations for ITI management, alternative treatment strategies, special populations
TEC 24
24.7.5 - Ethiopia
2021
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Africa - East
SNNP: TEC noted with concern that some historic MDAs may not have occurred as reported. TEC recommends that ITI follow up with the RHB, Sightsavers, and other partners to better understand these reports and take appropriate action.
Ethiopia
Conclusion/Recommendation:
ITI-Ethiopia followed up with Orbis to determine whether any past distributions have been incorrectly reported. It was reported by the implementing partner and the RHB that the data already in the database are accurate for those areas.
recommendations for ITI management
TEC 24
24.7.4 - Ethiopia
2021
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Africa - East
Oromia: TEC recommends that ITI work with the Federal Ministry of Health, Regional Health Bureau, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine study team to quantify the Zithromax® needs for the Stronger SAFE trial.
Ethiopia
Conclusion/Recommendation:
The research request has been incorporated in the 2023 Zithromax® Application.
research, recommendations for ITI management
TEC 24
24.7.3 - Ethiopia
2021
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Africa - East
Beneshangul Gumuz (BG): TEC recommends that ITI work with the FMOH and the RHB to better understand the current situation in the Bambasi and Tongo camps, including the refugees’ origin and the type of camp (open vs. closed). This information may be submitted to the TEC refugee subcommittee and the algorithm applied to determine whether any further action is needed.
Ethiopia
Conclusion/Recommendation:
ITI-Ethiopia worked with the BG RHB to better understand the situation in the refugee camps and has determined the origin and type of camp. The details will be submitted to the refugee subcommittee to determine eligibility.
special populations
TEC 24
24.7.2 - Ethiopia
2021
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Africa - East
Amhara: TEC recommends that ITI work with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Regional Health Bureau (RHB), and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) study team to quantify the Zithromax® needs for the KETFO trial.
Ethiopia
Conclusion/Recommendation:
Zithromax® required for the KETFO study is included as a separate line in the 2023 Application.
research
TEC 24
24.7.1 - Ethiopia
2021
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Africa - East
TEC noted with sadness the loss of Dr. Tebebe Yemane Berhan, a tireless advocate for the trachoma program in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia
Conclusion/Recommendation:
Condolences have been shared with the MOH and TCC.
TEC 24
24.6.3 - Sudan
2021
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Eastern Mediterranean
TEC encourages partners to work with the MOH to identify what will be needed to prepare the program’s elimination dossier.
Sudan
Conclusion/Recommendation:
This recommendation has been shared with the MOH and partners.
end game
TEC 24
24.6.2 - Sudan
2021
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Eastern Mediterranean
TEC also notes the trichiasis surgery needs in Sudan.
Sudan
Conclusion/Recommendation:
No action required
trichiasis
TEC 24
24.6.1 - Sudan
2021
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Eastern Mediterranean
TEC notes with sadness the passing of Dr. Nabil, long-time Country Director for The Carter Center and former head of the Ministry of Health Guinea Worm Eradication Program in Sudan, whose support to the trachoma program was so vital to its progress over the years.
Sudan
Conclusion/Recommendation:
No action required