Lessons learned for surveillance strategies for trachoma elimination as a public health problem, from the evaluation of approaches utilised by Guinea worm and onchocerciasis programmes: A literature review

Introduction A number of neglected tropical diseases are targeted for elimination or eradication. An effective surveillance system is critical to determine if these goals have been achieved and maintained. Trachoma has two related but morphologically different presentations that monitored elimination, the active infectious form trachoma trachomatous trichiasis (TT), progression disease. There a lessons learnt from Guinea worm particularly compatible TT onchocerciasis which can provide insights trachoma. Methods/Principal findings literature search peer-reviewed published papers grey was conducted using PUBMED Google Scholar articles relating dracunculiasis worm, trachoma, along with The abstracts relevant were read inclusion determined based on specified exclusion criteria. credibility bias also critically assessed total 41 identified eligible into review. programme designed around surveillance-containment strategy combines both passive approaches, focus village-based reporting. Although rumour reporting monetary incentive identification confirmed cases reported as successful identifying previously unknown transmission there little unbiased evidence support this conclusion. More rigorous through randomised controlled trial, influenced by motivational factors formative research, would be necessary in order consider applicability case finding an setting. focuses sentinel villages breeding sites. It relies entomological component, monitoring infectivity rates black flies epidemiological tracking exposure infection humans. Challenges included introduction relatively complex diagnostics not readily available endemic countries target thresholds, practically unattainable current diagnostic tests. utility serological markers surveillance, it important adequate considerations made ensure evidence-based achievable guidelines their put place. Conclusions/Significance experiences strategies very useful pre- post-validation. use reward further exploration indicators post-validation setting assist recrudescence particular relevance. next step real-world evaluation relative surveillance.