Trchoma is A disease of the poor. WHO estimates that six million people worldwide have been rendered blind or severely visually disabled through trachoma and a much larger number have suffered loss if vision. It is estimated that 150 million are affected and in need of treatment (WHO, 1997 and 1998). Infection often first happens in childhood and after repeated infections, blindness can then result in adulthood. But blindness due to trachoma can be prevented and many of the interventions are related to appropriate hygiene practice, sanitation and water. This paper brings together key information and lessons to-date on trachoma, its transmission routes, prevention measures and impacts. It aims to encourage a greater awareness in the practitioners working in the water, hygiene and sanitation sectors of the potential impacts of their work on preventing this devastating, but preventable disease. With minor shifts in WATSAN programme emphasis, programmes could increase the benefits for the communities they are working with, whilst at the same time helping to assure success of the elimination of the world's leading cause of preventable blindness.
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