Context: Fiji has become the 26th country in the world to eliminate Trachoma as a public health problem, as validated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This marks a major step towards achieving the global goal of ending trachoma by 2030 under the WHO NTD Roadmap.
What is Trachoma?
Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through:
- Direct contact with the eyes, eyelids, or nasal secretions of an infected person.
- Indirect contact via contaminated towels, clothing, or flies that have come into contact with discharge from infected eyes or nose.
If untreated, repeated infections lead to scarring of the inner eyelid, causing eyelashes to turn inward and scratch the cornea, ultimately leading to irreversible blindness.
Signs and Symptoms
- Redness and irritation of eyes
- Watery or purulent discharge
- Swelling of eyelids
- Blurred vision
- Discharge from the nose
Treatment and Prevention
- Drugs:
- Azithromycin (oral)
- Tetracycline (eye ointment)
- Preventive Measures:
- Improved facial cleanliness and sanitation
- Access to clean water
- Control of disease-carrying flies
WHO’s SAFE Strategy
The WHO recommends the SAFE Strategy to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem:
| SAFE Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Surgery | To correct advanced stages of trachoma causing eyelid deformities |
| Antibiotics | To clear infection (e.g., Azithromycin) |
| Facial cleanliness | Promotes hygiene to reduce transmission |
| Environmental improvement | Access to clean water, sanitation, and reduced fly population |
Global and Indian Context
- According to WHO, 150 million people are still at risk of trachoma globally, mainly in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
- The disease primarily affects poor, rural communities lacking sanitation and healthcare access.
- India has made significant progress under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), though surveillance continues in endemic areas.
Significance
Fiji’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of community-level health interventions, strong surveillance, and cross-sector collaboration in eliminating neglected tropical diseases. It also strengthens global momentum toward Universal Eye Health and the WHO’s 2030 NTD Roadmap.