Conclusions & Recommendations
28.2.1 - Electronic data collection
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC appreciates the work that has already been done to develop electronic data systems to collect and manage data related to mass drug administration and looks forward to following future developments to optimize the quality of data on drug coverage to improve and refine programs.
TEC appreciated the inclusion of national program managers at TEC 28, whose presence provided additional richness and insights into discussions.
Action:
No action required
TEC 28
2022
coverage
28.3.1 - Co-administration
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC was excited to see the co-administration and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) trial results demonstrating the safety of delivering azithromycin with ivermectin, albendazole, or diethylcarbamazine. TEC recommends to ITI management to support the WHO Guidelines Review Committee process.
Action:
The data from the Ethiopia coadministration trial was published in The Lancet in May 2023. ITI management will follow up to understand how ITI can support WHO’s guideline development process.
TEC 28
2022
alternative treatment strategies, research, recommendations for ITI management
28.4.1 - Child Survival
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC notes with enthusiasm the ongoing research on the use of azithromycin for child survival and looks forward to future discussions and presentations of data.
Action:
No action required
TEC 28
2022
research
28.5.1 - Refugee/IDP Request Guidelines Subcommittee
Conclusion/Recommendation:
The TEC appreciated the analysis and presentation of examples on how the algorithm developed by the TEC Refugee/IDP Request Guidelines Subcommittee has been used for allocating Zithromax® to refugees, displaced persons, and migratory populations. Application of this algorithm in practice aspires to TEC’s values of equity and inclusion.
Action:
No action required
TEC 28
2022
special populations
28.5.2 - Refugee/IDP Request Guidelines Subcommittee
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC noted with appreciation that Tropical Data’s and partners’ survey methodologies and adaptations have provided adequate data for decisions on allocating Zithromax® and noted the need for continued flexibility in specific contexts. TEC encourages the continued development of simplified approaches to enhance access.
Action:
ITI will continue to work with the ICTC Special Population task team, which includes representatives from Tropical Data and partners, and consider circumstances in which there may be a need for alternative approaches to support the equitable allocation of Zithromax®.
TEC 28
2022
special populations
28.5.3 - Refugee/IDP Request Guidelines Subcommittee
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC reiterated its concern that not all populations in need of Zithromax for trachoma have access to it, and looks forward to further information from the ICTC Inventory on at-risk populations for whom current survey approaches might pose a barrier to access.
In order to leave no one behind, national trachoma programs are encouraged to seek these populations and continue using the decision algorithm to support reaching must-reach populations in their specific contexts.
Action:
ITI has worked with national programs to identify at risk populations and submit an application for Zithromax® where appropriate. ITI team members have also supported the ICTC Special Populations task team’s inventory effort in collaboration with ministries of health and their partners.
TEC 28
2022
special populations
28.5.4 - Refugee/IDP Request Guidelines Subcommittee
Conclusion/Recommendation:
As information from the ICTC Inventory becomes available, TEC recommends that ITI work with host endemic countries to ensure that all populations have access to trachoma treatments where needed.
Action:
As additional information from the ICTC Inventory becomes available, ITI will continue to work with national programs to identify at risk populations and submit an application for Zithromax® where appropriate.
TEC 28
2022
special populations
28.6.1 - Serology/Infection
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC appreciates the continued efforts in infection and serology and expressed support for WHO to develop standardized protocols and define thresholds for trachoma program decision-making. As additional data become available, TEC requests future presentations from national programs and partners on this topic.
Action:
This will be addressed through presentations at TEC 29 and TEC 30.
TEC 28
2022
alternative indicators (Ct, serology)
27.1.1 - TEC recommendations to the ITI team
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC appreciates the extra information that ITI provided on trichiasis surgeries and recommends including past surgical performance (as reported on the TEMF) in the comments column
Action:
This will be addressed for TEC 29.
TEC 27
2022
TEC meeting management
27.1.2 - TEC recommendations to the ITI team
Conclusion/Recommendation:
TEC appreciates the inclusion of regional maps in the TEC book
Action:
ITI will continue to include regional maps in the TEC book.
TEC 27
2022
TEC meeting management