A painful eye disease that has blinded or visually impaired nearly two million people has been eliminated in 21 countries to date and The Task Force’s International Trachoma Initiative (ITI), which has played a significant role in this progress, is preparing for even greater impact. In partnership with Pfizer, which donates the medicine for the disease trachoma, ITI delivered nearly 40 million treatments of azithromycin to more than a dozen countries in 2024 and has reached more than 40 countries since 1998. But, there are still 103 million people living in trachoma-endemic areas, which calls for continued innovations in approaches to eliminate the disease.
ITI Interim Director PJ Hooper spoke with us about a recent meeting in Senegal to plan the way forward, as well as new milestones reached by the team and what motivates her and others as they seek to eliminate a disease that takes such a significant toll on so many people.
ITI’s mission is to eliminate disease through drug donations, partnerships and providing access to medical data. You use an expert committee to guide this work. Which organizations are represented on the expert committee and what happens at your biannual meetings?
The Trachoma Expert Committee (TEC) is an independent body composed of internationally recognized experts representing leading organizations such as RTI International, FHI 360, The Carter Center, the Proctor Foundation at UCSF, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria. These experts convene twice a year to review country applications for azithromycin (the treatment donated by Pfizer) and provide strategic, technical and operational guidance to ITI.
What was discussed at the Trachoma Expert Committee meeting in Senegal this month?
TEC’s 32nd meeting was held in Dakar, bringing together trachoma experts and practitioners from across the globe. Key discussions focused on alternative ways to measure disease and determine where treatments can be stopped because they are no longer necessary and where treatments are still needed. Conversations also centered around innovative ways to assess progress and deliver interventions in insecure areas, particularly those involved in conflict, such as South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Democratic Republic of Congo, and exploring the broader potential of azithromycin for use in advancing child survival initiatives. The meeting exemplified TEC’s critical role in coordinating efforts and approaches in the global fight against trachoma while fostering innovation and collaboration in public health.
What does it mean to you and others working on trachoma to be a driving force in eliminating the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide?
Eliminating trachoma is an extraordinary mission that inspires everyone involved. The global elimination goal of 2030 is ambitious but within reach, thanks to the tireless efforts of governments, communities and dedicated partners across the globe. Together, we’ve made remarkable progress — reducing the number of people at risk of trachoma from 1.5 billion in 2002 to just 103 million in 2024 — a 93% reduction. As of now, 21 countries have been validated as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, a testimony to what can be achieved through collaboration and commitment.
For me personally, contributing to this effort means everything. It’s humbling and inspiring to partner with the most dedicated individuals — government leaders, local health workers, and community members — whose tireless efforts are the backbone of this fight. Their resilience and commitment are a constant source of inspiration and knowledge. I feel incredibly fortunate to work on something I deeply believe in, that not only has a transformative impact on entire communities but also brings together incredible donors, partners and friends who share this vision. Ridding the world of a completely preventable cause of blindness is an honor and privilege, and I’m proud to be part of this global movement.
Where do you see things going in the next 10+ years and what will this mean for people in affected countries?
There will still be a small number of countries requiring health interventions and drug donations beyond 2030, the year targeted for elimination as a public health problem — particularly in areas where insecurity has delayed access to essential programs — but the trajectory is clear: we are progressing steadily towards a future free of trachoma. For people in affected countries, this means an end to the needless suffering caused by a preventable disease. It means children staying in school, adults contributing fully to their communities, and families spared from the emotional and economic burden of blindness.
