Trachoma Prevention

Trachoma is the world's leading cause of blindness, yet very simple hygiene behaviors – frequent face and hand washing, use of one’s own towel, and improved domestic sanitation – prevent the transmission of the bacteria that infects the eye. 

By adapting its skills in rural marketing from product related promotion to preventive health promotion, IDE is participating in a multi-organizational effort spearheaded by the World Health Organization to eradicate blinding trachoma by the year 2020.

IDE has designed a sophisticated social marketing campaign, which it is conducting alongside local government partners to reach a target audience of 1.8 million people across six provinces in northern Vietnam. IDE is employing innovative strategies that include diverse audio, video, and print materials, schools programs, and women's union meetings to encourage the adoption of targeted improved hygiene habits. In addition, IDE is partnering with Helen Keller International to install water and sanitation facilities in schools throughout the target areas.