Trachoma Action Planning

In 2011, ICTC developed a Trachoma Action Plan (TAP) planning guide to support national health officials in endemic countries. This resource was developed to complement the 2020 INSight roadmap by helping countries create specific national plans detailing how they will reach elimination targets in their own particular contexts.

The planning approach brings together the right people, with the right information, to ensure that trachoma elimination is based upon sound evidence and consideration of the local context. At least ten countries now have TAPs and, thanks to support from ICTC members, training is available to countries that would like to develop a plan. These TAP workshops also contribute to building capacity for public health planning that supports health system strengthening.

Benin developed its trachoma action plan in 2015. Dr Amadou Alfa Bio Issifou, Benin's trachoma focal point, spoke of the value of the planning process:

"Today, the Republic of Benin has been mapped for trachoma, ensuring we have the credible data needed to develop our national plan. The workshop to develop our TAP was exciting. Planning took place here in my country, with the participation of external experts, to develop a strategic plan with achievable activities; starting with areas that are most in need or the best fit for the available resources. To ensure the achievement of full SAFE strategy, the planning involved the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Water and Environment, as well as NGO partners. Together, we are preparing joint action to eliminate trachoma. This is really a fantastic achievement. It has built our confidence; we now really believe we can eliminate blinding trachoma in Benin."

Download the Trachom Action Planning guide (PDF 2.5Mb)

Additional preparatory work is needed for the F&E components of the TAP, see our F&E planning toolkit for more guidance on these aspects

To request support for the national TAP workshop in your country, please contact Paul Courtright, Director at Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology (KCCO) and TAP workshop facilitator.