WHO adopted the SAFE strategy in 1993. Its mandate is to provide technical leadership and coordination to the international efforts aiming to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. The recommended strategy is a combination of interventions implemented as an integrated approach.

In 1996, WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by the year 2020 (GET2020). GET 2020 is a partnership which supports country implementation of the SAFE strategy and the strengthening of national capacity through epidemiological assessment, monitoring, surveillance, project evaluation and resource mobilization.

WHO leads an international alliance of interested parties to work for the global elimination of trachoma, the WHO Alliance for Global Elimination of Trachoma by the year 2020 (GET2020). The Alliance supports and collaborates with WHO in carrying out essential activities such as epidemiological assessment, including baseline mapping, project implementation, coordination, monitoring, surveillance, project evaluation and resource mobilization. It is open to all parties - governments, international organizations and nongovernmental organizations - which are willing and ready to contribute to international efforts.