Malawi makes great strides in fighting trachoma

Malawi, a small country in Africa, has made significant progress in the fight against trachoma, a blinding eye disease that affects millions of people across the continent. The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust has been at the forefront of this battle, working tirelessly to eliminate avoidable blindness and empower young leaders in Malawi. Dr. Astrid Bonfield, CEO of the Trust, recently shared insights into the remarkable achievements made in Malawi. One of the main objectives of the Trust's work in Malawi has been to eradicate trachoma completely. Just over two years ago, eight million people in the country were at risk of developing the disease. Today, Malawi stands on the brink of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, showcasing a remarkable turnaround in a relatively short period. The success in Malawi can be attributed to a comprehensive approach that involved leveraging technology, financial resources, and strategic partnerships. The Trust utilized a disease mapping program supported by DfID to identify communities at risk and locate individuals affected by trachoma, even in remote rural areas with limited infrastructure. By deploying resources effectively and reaching out to every person in need, Malawi has made significant strides towards eliminating this debilitating disease. In addition to its efforts to combat trachoma, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust has been investing in young leaders through initiatives like Girls Arise for Change. This program aims to identify and support exceptional youth across the Commonwealth, providing them with resources and mentorship to drive positive change in their communities. In Malawi, the Trust discovered a remarkable young leader named Virginia, who is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable women by empowering them economically and giving them a voice. Virginia's impactful work exemplifies the potential of youth to drive social transformation and address pressing issues like gender-based violence and economic empowerment. One of the most innovative tools deployed by the Trust in Malawi is the Portable Eye Examination Kit (PEEK), a revolutionary device that enables eye screenings using smartphones. By attaching a lens to a standard smartphone camera, healthcare workers can capture images of the back of the eye with ease, eliminating the need for expensive equipment and specialized professionals. PEEK has not only facilitated the diagnosis and monitoring of eye conditions like trachoma but has also been used to test the eyesight of children in schools, enabling parents to visualize their child's vision health in real-time. This groundbreaking technology has the potential to revolutionize eye care services in low-resource settings and improve access to quality healthcare. Dr. Bonfield emphasized the crucial role of partnerships in achieving these milestones, highlighting the collaborative efforts with government agencies, international organizations, and local communities in Malawi. By working closely with the Ministry of Health, the International Coalition for Trachoma Control, and other key stakeholders, the Trust has been able to leverage a network of support to advance its goals. The involvement of Her Royal Highness, the Countess of Wessex, as Vice-Patron of the Trust has also been instrumental in raising awareness and rallying support for the elimination of trachoma in Malawi. The progress made in Malawi serves as a testament to the power of collective action and targeted interventions in addressing public health challenges. By harnessing technology, mobilizing resources, and nurturing young leadership, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust has paved the way for a brighter and healthier future for the people of Malawi and beyond.