“I want to work hard to see a world free from trachoma.”

But reaching this milestone was no easy feat; like all great achievements, it came with its own challenges.

“There was a period when the attention was more focused on distributing treatment through mass drug administration and trachoma surgeries, but lacking on water and sanitation. I didn’t want communities to see an increase of trachoma because they did not have clean water and adequate sanitation in place.”

Thankfully, progress has been made to address that challenge and the development of clean water and good sanitation is becoming more common in areas across Ghana. Where these resources were once lacking, Agatha expresses, “the communities are now very clean”.

When asked what advice she would give to endemic countries during their own journey to eliminate trachoma, Agatha says: “Women need to be included in the fight to eliminate this blinding disease. Women play a huge role in ensuring their children are kept clean and that there is water in their communities.

“We need to have women coming together to make sure that we fight this terrible disease. To make it a thing of the past, all around the world. Wherever there’s a presence of trachoma, and at every level of elimination effort, you will find women there.”

Agatha is a doctor by profession, with a specialisation in ophthalmology and background in community health.

“My mother and father really inspired me throughout my childhood. When I was a young girl my parents saw that I was intelligent, and my father told me that I would be a great doctor and someone who would help many people in the future. My family has always been very supportive and I know my husband and children are proud of me. I have carried that inspiration and support throughout my life.”