After decades of relentless efforts, India has finally triumphed over trachoma, eliminating it as a public health problem. This remarkable achievement makes India the third country in the WHO Southeast Asia Region to conquer this debilitating disease. Trachoma, a bacterial infection of the eyes caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis, has been a major cause of blindness globally, particularly affecting underprivileged communities grappling with poor living conditions. The disease spreads through direct contact with infected secretions and indirectly through flies carrying these secretions. This underscores the importance of proper hygiene, access to clean water, and adequate sanitation facilities in preventing its spread.
Trachoma’s initial symptoms include itchy and irritated eyes, discharge, and sensitivity to light. In advanced stages, the infection leads to scarring that can cause trichiasis, a condition where eyelashes turn inward, constantly irritating the eye. This can result in corneal scarring and ultimately lead to visual impairment or blindness if left untreated.
India’s journey to eliminate trachoma began in 1963 with the launch of the National Trachoma Control Programme. These efforts were later integrated into the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB). In 1971, trachoma-related blindness accounted for five percent of all blindness cases. However, thanks to various interventions and the implementation of the WHO SAFE strategy in 2019, this figure has dropped to less than one percent.
In 2017, India was declared free from infective trachoma, a significant milestone. However, surveillance for trachoma cases continued in all districts of India from 2019 to 2024. To meet the WHO’s mandate for declaring the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, a National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT only) Survey was conducted in 200 endemic districts between 2021 and 2024. The comprehensive data collected from these surveys were compiled and submitted to the WHO country office for final scrutiny.
Finally, after years of dedicated work and tireless commitment, the WHO officially declared India free from trachoma as a public health problem. This momentous occasion was acknowledged by Aradhana Patnaik, Mission Director for the National Health Mission, who received the citation.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, lauded India’s achievement, emphasizing its significance in alleviating the suffering of millions impacted by this debilitating disease. He highlighted the close collaboration between India and the WHO in realizing this landmark victory. With this achievement, India joins Nepal, Myanmar, and 19 other countries in successfully eliminating trachoma.
The elimination of trachoma aligns with the WHO’s 2021-2030 neglected tropical disease roadmap, aiming to prevent, control, eliminate, and eradicate 20 diseases by 2030. This achievement marks a monumental step forward in global health, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts, sustained interventions, and unwavering commitment to eradicating preventable diseases. It serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other nations still battling trachoma, highlighting the possibility of achieving lasting victories against this debilitating disease.
