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India Declared Trachoma-Free
Context:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified India as having eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem, making it the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
More on News:
- The WHO categorises Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease, with an estimated 150 million people affected globally, of which around 6 million face the risk of blindness or severe visual impairment.
- Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) encompass a diverse group of 20 diseases recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), including but not limited to: Buruli ulcer, Chagas disease, Dengue fever, Dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease), Leprosy, Lymphatic filariasis, Schistosomiasis and Trachoma, etc.
- It predominantly affects underprivileged communities living in poor environmental conditions.
Trachoma
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Historical Context and Government Efforts:
- Trachoma was one of the leading causes of blindness in India during the 1950s and 1960s.
- To combat this, the Government of India launched the National Trachoma Control Program in 1963, later integrating these efforts into the National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).
- In 1971, the incidence of blindness due to Trachoma was recorded at 5%.
- Through persistent interventions under the NPCB and the implementation of the WHO SAFE strategy—comprising Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement—this number has dramatically decreased to less than 1% today.
- In 2017, India was declared free from infectious Trachoma, but surveillance for trachoma cases continued across all districts from 2019 to 2024.
The Certification Process:
- To officially declare the elimination of Trachoma, a National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT only) Survey was conducted in 200 endemic districts from 2021 to 2024, in alignment with WHO mandates.
- The WHO confirmed that India has successfully eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem.
- This achievement not only underscores the effectiveness of India’s health initiatives but also serves as a beacon of hope for other countries grappling with similar public health challenges.
Conclusion:
The elimination of Trachoma is a remarkable testament to the commitment and resilience of India’s healthcare system and its dedicated workforce. With continued efforts to maintain surveillance and improve community health, India sets a precedent for combating neglected tropical diseases and enhancing public health standards across the globe