Reception celebrating the U.S.- supported elimination of trachoma in Cambodia and Laos

WASHINGTON, D.C.- RTI and neglected tropical disease (NTD) partners are hosting a reception celebrating the recent elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Cambodia and Laos, Feb. 15. This celebration follows trachoma elimination in three other countries, Oman, Morocco, and Mexico, demonstrating clear progress in the global fight against NTDs.

The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, SVC 200. 

The event will feature speeches from NTD advocates and members of the NTD community regarding the measurable progress towards combating these debilitating diseases around the globe – progress which would not have been possible without Congressional support for the USAID NTD Program.

USAID began supporting the governments’ efforts in Laos and Cambodia towards trachoma elimination in 2012. Through the END in Asia project and RTI-implemented ENVISION projects, USAID assisted the ministries of health in collecting reliable data on the status of trachoma in both countries, and determined the appropriate response required to work toward elimination. 

Speakers will include: 

• Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Co-Chair of the House NTD Caucus
• Irene Koek, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator, Global Health Bureau, USAID
• Ariana Reks, Deputy Director of Government Relations, USGLC
• Aaron Williams, Senior Advisor, Government Relations
• Lisa Rotondo, ENVISION project director
• PJ Hooper, Deputy Director, International Trachoma Initiative
• Margaret Schuler, Senior Vice President of International Programs Group, World Vision