India Achieves Trachoma-Free Status: A Milestone in Public Health
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 13th Oct. Clear eyesight is one of life’s most precious gifts, essential for daily activities, education, and overall well-being. However, diseases like trachoma pose serious threats to eyesight, potentially leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. Trachoma, a highly contagious bacterial infection, has been a major cause of preventable blindness worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 150 million people globally are affected by trachoma, with 6 million at risk of visual impairment.
In a significant public health achievement, India has been officially declared free from trachoma by the WHO. This milestone comes after years of dedicated efforts by the government to protect the vision of millions, emphasizing the importance of healthy eyesight for every individual.
What is Trachoma?
Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, primarily transmitted through eye secretions of infected individuals. It spreads via close physical contact, sharing personal items, houseflies, and respiratory droplets. Risk factors promoting its transmission include poor hygiene, overcrowded living conditions, water scarcity, and inadequate sanitation facilities. Children are particularly vulnerable, suffering repeated infections that can lead to scarring, painful conditions, and eventual visual impairment.
India’s Victory Against Trachoma
During the 1950s and 1960s, trachoma was a significant public health concern in India, especially in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, where over 50% of the populations were affected. In response, India implemented measures aimed at eradicating the problem.
Initiatives to Combat Trachoma
To address the trachoma health crisis, India launched several interventions under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI). A pivotal moment was the adoption of the WHO SAFE strategy, which focuses on treating existing cases and preventing future infections through improved hygiene practices. Key initiatives included:
- National Trachoma Control Program (1963): Launched with WHO and UNICEF support, it focused on surgical treatment, antibiotic distribution, promoting facial cleanliness, and improving environmental conditions.
- Integration into National Programs: By 1976, trachoma control efforts were integrated into the NPCBVI framework, ensuring sustained focus and resources.
- Significant Progress: By 2005, trachoma accounted for 4% of all blindness cases in India. Remarkably, by 2018, this figure dropped to 0.008%. Comprehensive assessments confirmed that elimination targets were met in all previously endemic regions.
India was declared free from infective trachoma by 2017, following the National Trachoma Survey Report (2014-17) findings, indicating an overall prevalence of just 0.7%, well below the WHO elimination threshold of 5%.
WHO Applauds India’s Effective Measures Against Trachoma
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised India’s commitment to alleviating trachoma’s suffering, emphasizing the collaboration among the government, healthcare professionals, and international partners that made this milestone possible. India now joins Nepal, Myanmar, and 19 other countries in eliminating trachoma as a public health issue. However, the disease remains a challenge in 39 nations, affecting approximately 1.9 million people globally.
Conclusion
India’s journey to becoming trachoma-free highlights the power of teamwork in public health. By adopting the WHO SAFE strategy, the country has successfully reduced the rates of this serious eye disease. The cooperation among government bodies, healthcare workers, and international partners has been vital to this success. As India joins other nations that have eradicated trachoma as a public health issue, it underscores the need for ongoing efforts and a commitment to ensuring that future generations can enjoy good eyesight.
