India recognised by WHO for eliminating trachoma: All about the disease

India received recognition from the World Health Organisation South-East Asia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, the health ministry announced on Tuesday.
“A significant milestone, this reaffirms the country’s commitment to eye health, disease prevention, and universal health coverage,” a post by the health ministry on X stated. In 2017, India was declared free of infective trachoma at the launch of the National Trachoma Survey Report (2014-17).
The award for the citation was received by Aradhana Patnaik, Mission Director for National Health Mission.
Trachoma, a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, has been a leading cause of blindness worldwide. This infectious disease primarily affects the eyes, leading to roughening of the inner surface of the eyelids.
If left untreated, it can cause severe pain, corneal damage, and eventually blindness. Blindness from trachoma is irreversible.
The disease spreads through direct contact with eye, nose, or throat secretions from infected individuals, or indirectly through flies that have been in contact with these secretions.
The symptoms of trachoma include itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids, discharge from the eyes, and sensitivity to light.
According to the WHO, in advanced stages, it can cause the eyelids to turn inward, a condition known as trichiasis, where the eyelashes rub against the eyeball, causing pain and further damage.

The symptoms of trachoma include itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids, discharge from the eyes, and sensitivity to light. (Photo: Getty Images)

India’s success in eliminating trachoma is attributed to the concerted efforts of the government, healthcare workers, and community participation.
As per WHO, the SAFE strategy to treat trachoma includes surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics to clear infection, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement to reduce transmission.
In 2019, AIIMS along with the National Program for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment under the health ministry issued guidelines to implement WHO’s SAFE strategy for trachoma elimination.
The WHO defines the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem when the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis is less than 0.2% in people aged 15 years and above, and the prevalence of active trachoma in children aged 1-9 years is less than 5%.
As India celebrates this milestone, the health ministry continues to emphasise the importance of maintaining vigilance and sustaining the efforts to prevent the re-emergence of trachoma.