List date(s) this work was published or aired.
23-Jun-12
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
Nepal is on track to eliminate trachoma, the blinding eye disease by 2014, according to a recent meeting of health experts. I reported on the country’s progress against this neglected tropical disease from Nepal.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Reports from RTI, WHO, Carter Center, International Trachoma Initiative, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) in Kathmandu. Educational materials from NNJS.
Explain types of human sources used.
On site visit to Himalaya Eye Hospital in Pokhara and rural eye clinic at the Laligurans Polyclinic in Paluntar and interviews with doctors and patients there. Interview at Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh in Kathmandu. Phone interview with Paul Emerson, Director of the Trachoma Control Program at the Carter Center. Email interview with Danny Haddad, director of International Trachoma Initiative. Phone interview with Dharmpal Prasad Raman, Nepal country director for RTI.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
No.
Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
Persuade editors about the importance of a seemingly obscure topic. Look for real progress in combating a major public health threat (in this case a neglected tropical disease) and be clear in explaining how and why change has occurred. On the ground visits and interviews are ideal.