Trachoma, a blinding disease that remains neglected in Kenya

The eye disease is active in children at the age of one year and resurfaces at older ages, according to eye specialists. [File, Standard]

Trachoma remains a neglected tropical disease in Kenya, despite 10 million people being at risk of contracting it, more so in arid and semi-arid where livestock is the main economic activity.

Dr Rebeccah Oenga, an ophthalmologist at Kajiado County Referral Hospital and coordinating eye care services in Kajiado County explains that trachoma is an eye disease caused by bacteria, known as chlamydia trachomatis that causes inflammation or conjunctivitis in the eye.