The World Health Organization has declared that India and Pakistan are free of trachoma. Trachoma is a bacterial eye disease that can lead to pain and, if untreated, blindness. It spreads by contact with eye, nose or throat fluids and by flies.
Trachoma mainly affects communities with limited water and sanitation. WHO supports the SAFE approach: surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental change. Health teams used these measures in both countries.
Experts say efforts must continue. A Sightsavers representative praised the work but warned that programmes and community awareness must be kept up to stop the disease returning.
Difficult words
- trachoma — eye infection that can cause pain and blindness
- bacterial — relating to or caused by bacteria
- blindness — loss of sight or ability to see
- sanitation — systems for clean water and waste removal
- antibiotic — medicine used to kill bacteria and infectionsantibiotics
- programme — organized public health activities in a communityprogrammes
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Discussion questions
- How can better water and sanitation help prevent trachoma where you live?
- Which SAFE measure could people do at home and why?
- Why is it important to keep community awareness after the disease is declared free?
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