India Eliminates Trachoma as Public Health Problem

Why in the news?

WHO declared India Trachoma-free, marking it the third country in South-East Asia to achieve this milestone, following years of control efforts under the National Health Mission. 

About the news:

  • WHO declared that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024.
  • India is the third country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
  • The official certification was presented to Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary, National Health Mission, by Ms. Saima Wazed, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia.

India Eliminates Trachoma as Public Health Problem

India’s Efforts to Eliminate Trachoma:

  • The National Trachoma Control Program began in 1963, later integrated into the National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).
  • Trachoma-related blindness decreased from 5% in 1971 to less than 1% today due to the NPCBVI program and WHO’s SAFE strategy (surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene, environmental cleanliness).
  • The National Trachomatous Trichiasis Survey (2021-2024) confirmed India’s success in eliminating Trachoma as a public health issue.

About Trachoma:

  • Trachoma is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness and is a neglected tropical disease.
  • A public health problem in 42 countries, affecting 9 million people with visual impairment or blindness.
  • Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, it spreads through personal contact and flies in unsanitary environments.

Symptoms and Progression:

  • Initially, a bacterial infection that can be treated.
  • Repeated infections cause eyelashes to turn inward (trichiasis), leading to painful corneal damage and potential blindness.

Transmission and Affected Areas:

  • Common in areas with water shortages, poor sanitation, and fly infestations.

WHO SAFE Strategy for Elimination:

  • Surgery for advanced stages (trichiasis).
  • Antibiotics like azithromycin to clear infection.
  • Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement to improve sanitation and access to water.

Global Efforts:

  • 17 countries, including Nepal, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia, have eliminated trachoma.
  • The Global Trachoma Mapping Project was launched to survey trachoma prevalence in endemic areas, targeting children and adults.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times