In a major public health milestone, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared India free of Trachoma as a public health problem. This achievement places India as the third country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to reach this significant milestone. The certification of elimination was awarded to Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, during the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee meeting in New Delhi in 2024.
What Is Trachoma?
Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It is highly contagious and spreads through contact with the eyes, nose, or throat of infected individuals. The disease is a known contributor to irreversible blindness if left untreated, making it one of the leading causes of avoidable blindness worldwide.
Historically, Trachoma has been most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and inadequate access to clean water. WHO has categorized it as a neglected tropical disease, particularly affecting underprivileged communities. It is estimated that around 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma, with nearly six million either already blind or at risk of developing severe visual complications.
India’s Struggle with Trachoma: A Historical Overview
India’s fight against Trachoma dates back several decades. During the 1950s and 1960s, Trachoma was one of the leading causes of blindness in the country. Recognizing the urgency of the issue, the Government of India launched the National Trachoma Control Program in 1963. This initiative aimed to curb the spread of the infection and reduce blindness rates caused by Trachoma.
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In 1971, nearly 5% of blindness cases in India were attributed to Trachoma. However, through sustained efforts, including public health interventions, education, and improved living conditions, the country witnessed a significant reduction in the prevalence of the disease. In 2017, India achieved a major breakthrough when it was declared free from infective Trachoma, meaning the active spread of the disease had been halted. Nevertheless, the government and health organizations continued to conduct surveillance to ensure that Trachoma did not resurface.
WHO’s SAFE Strategy and India’s Fight Against Trachoma
The decline in Trachoma cases in India can be attributed in large part to WHO’s SAFE strategy, which the country implemented nationwide. SAFE stands for Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement, and this comprehensive approach was pivotal in reducing the spread and impact of Trachoma in high-risk areas. The strategy promoted hygiene practices, provided surgical treatments for advanced cases, distributed antibiotics, and focused on improving living conditions, particularly in communities most vulnerable to infection.
Final Steps to Trachoma Elimination
Despite the declaration in 2017 that India was free from infective Trachoma, efforts to monitor and combat the disease continued over the following years. From 2019 to 2024, the government conducted regular surveillance to ensure that no new cases emerged across the country. Additionally, the National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT only) Survey, a critical step in meeting WHO’s requirements, was carried out from 2021 to 2024 in 200 endemic districts. This survey was designed to monitor the presence of advanced cases of Trachoma that could still lead to blindness.
Data from these surveys were meticulously compiled and presented to WHO by the National Program for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) team. After a thorough review, WHO confirmed that India had successfully eliminated Trachoma as a public health issue.
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A Remarkable Achievement for Public Health
The elimination of Trachoma as a public health problem is a testament to the Indian government’s sustained efforts, international collaboration, and the active participation of healthcare professionals and communities. Public health initiatives aimed at improving hygiene, ensuring access to antibiotics, and promoting environmental cleanliness played a crucial role in achieving this milestone.
India’s success offers hope and a roadmap for other countries still grappling with Trachoma. The rigorous implementation of health interventions, combined with continuous surveillance, demonstrates that eliminating neglected tropical diseases like Trachoma is indeed possible.
Bottomline
The WHO’s declaration of India as Trachoma-free in 2024 marks the culmination of decades of effort to tackle a disease that once posed a serious public health challenge. India’s achievement not only improves the quality of life for millions but also serves as an inspiration for global health efforts aimed at combating neglected tropical diseases. As the country moves forward, the lessons learned in the fight against Trachoma will undoubtedly contribute to addressing other public health challenges in the future.