India declared free from Trachoma
Clear
eyesight is one of life's most precious gifts, essential for daily activities,
education, and overall well-being. However, several diseases, such as 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 WHO estimated 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma and 6
million of them are blind or at risk of visually disabling complications. Among
them the infective stages of trachoma are usually found in children.
In
a significant public health achievement, India has been officially
declared free from trachoma by the World Health Organization (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 a devastating eye disease caused by
infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The primary
source of trachoma infection is the eye secretions of infected individuals, it
can be transmitted through several routes, including:
· Close
physical contact, such as playing together or sharing a bed, especially among
mothers and affected children.
· Sharing
towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, and other personal items.
· Houseflies,
which can carry the infection.
· Coughing
and sneezing.
Environmental risk factors that promote the
transmission of trachoma include:
· Poor
hygiene practices.
· Overcrowded
living conditions.
· Water
scarcity.
· Inadequate
latrines and sanitation facilities.
Addressing these risk factors is crucial to
breaking the cycle of transmission and preventing the further spread of the
disease.
Children are more vulnerable to trachoma:
As children experience repeated infections,
scarring can occur on the inner surface of their upper eyelids. This scarring
leads to a painful condition known as trachomatous trichiasis,
where the eyelid margin turns inward, causing the eyelashes to constantly rub
against the eyeball, but the hazards don’t end there. If left untreated, this condition
can lead to visual impairment. Research shows that individuals may need to
endure more than 150 infections over their lifetime to develop severe
complications associated with blinding trachoma.
India’s Victory Against Trachoma
During the 1950s and 1960s trachoma was a
significant public health concern in India. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan,
Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the Nicobar Islands were heavily impacted,
with over 50% of their populations affected during that period. By 1971, trachoma
was responsible for 5% of all blindness cases in the country. In response to
this pressing issue, India implemented a series of measures aimed at
eradicating the problem.
Initiatives to combat Trachoma
Recognizing the urgent need to combat the trachoma
health crisis, India implemented several key interventions under the National
Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI). A
pivotal moment in this effort was the adoption of the WHO SAFE strategy,
which aimed not only to treat existing cases but also to prevent future
infections through improved hygiene practices. Have a look to the various steps
taken by India over the time to combat trachoma:
- Launch of the National
Trachoma Control Program: In 1963, the Government of
India, with support from WHO and UNICEF, launched the National
Trachoma Control Program. This initiative laid the groundwork for
comprehensive trachoma management, focusing on:
· Surgical
Treatment: Addressing the blinding stage of the disease,
known as trachomatous trichiasis
· Antibiotic
Distribution: Clearing existing infections
· Facial
Cleanliness: Promoting hygiene to reduce transmission
· Environmental
Improvements: Enhancing access to water and sanitation.
- Integration into National
Programs: In 1976, trachoma control efforts were integrated into the
broader NPCBVI framework, ensuring sustained focus and resources for
elimination activities.
- Significant Progress: In 2005,
trachoma accounted for 4% of all blindness cases in India. Remarkably, by
2018, this figure declined to just 0.008%. The success of these efforts
was validated through a series of impact assessments, pre-validation, and
trichiasis-only surveys, confirming that elimination targets were met in
all previously endemic regions.
Through these continuous efforts, India has made
significant strides toward eradicating trachoma. By 2017, India was
declared free from infective trachoma. This announcement came during
the release of the National Trachoma Survey Report (2014-17) by the then Union
Minister of Health and Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda. The survey findings were
promising, indicating that active trachoma infections had been eliminated among
children in all surveyed districts, with an overall prevalence of only
0.7%—well below the World Health Organization's (WHO) elimination threshold of
5%.
Despite this remarkable progress, the commitment to
public health did not end there. From 2019 to 2024, India continued its
vigilant surveillance for trachoma cases across all districts to ensure that
the infection did not re-emerge. This ongoing monitoring is crucial for
maintaining the hard-won status of being trachoma-free, demonstrating India's
dedication to safeguarding the eye health of its citizens and preventing
avoidable blindness.
WHO applauds india's effective measures against Trachoma
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
praised India's commitment to alleviating the suffering caused by trachoma,
emphasizing the vital collaboration among the government, healthcare professionals,
and international partners that made this milestone possible.
India now stands alongside Nepal, Myanmar, and 19
other countries that have also successfully eliminated trachoma as a public
health issue. However, the disease continues to be a challenge in 39 other
nations, affecting approximately 1.9 million people globally and leading to
irreversible blindness in many cases.
India's journey to becoming trachoma-free showcases
the strength of teamwork in public health and community support. By adopting
the WHO SAFE strategy the country has successfully lowered the rates of this
serious eye disease. The cooperation among government bodies, healthcare
workers, and international partners has been key to this success. As India
joins other nations that have eradicated trachoma as a public health issue, it
highlights the need for ongoing efforts, consistent public health programs, and
a dedication to ensuring that future generations can enjoy good eyesight.