The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has identified multiple cases of trachoma, a preventable infectious eye disease, during the ongoing outreach in Kaputa District, Luapula province prompting urgent community health interventions.

Confirmed cases were found in Muchenja, Chocha, and Kasungwe, while suspected cases were noted in Kalaba. All confirmed cases have been assessed and treated according to standard medical guidelines.

Trachoma is an infectious eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which spreads through direct contact with eye or nasal discharge, shared cloths, and flies.

Repeated infections can cause scarring of the eyelids and eventually lead to permanent vision loss if not addressed early.

The disease remains a significant public health concern in parts of Kaputa District, particularly in rural areas where access to clean water and sanitation facilities may be limited.

In response to the findings, ZFDS medical personnel conducted extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) sessions with community members in the affected areas. Residents were educated on recognizing symptoms, preventing the spread of infection, and seeking early treatment.

Some of the Key preventive measures emphasized during the outreach include:

*Regular face washing, especially for children.

*Proper sanitation and safe waste disposal.

*Avoiding sharing towels or cloths.

*Keeping living environments clean to reduce fly breeding.

The district health team has been formally notified and is working to support further interventions. These include broader case finding efforts, increased disease surveillance, and the establishment of community-level preventive programmes to halt further spread in the affected areas.

The ZFDS intervention highlights the critical need for continued health education and improved sanitation infrastructure in rural communities to prevent trachoma and protect residents from preventable blindness.