The World Health Organization this month confirmed that India and Pakistan are free of trachoma, a bacterial disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that can cause blindness. India and Pakistan were declared free after large-scale use of prevention and treatment programmes.
WHO promotes the SAFE strategy — surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental change — and credited these measures for progress. Roderico H. Ofrin, the WHO representative in India, highlighted surgeries, drug distribution by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and water and sanitation programmes.
WHO estimates that 1.9 million people have partly or fully lost their sight to trachoma. The number of people at risk fell from 1.5 billion in 2002 to 103 million in 2024. In 2023, WHO reported that 13,746 people received surgical treatment and 32.9 people were treated with antibiotics; azithromycin is donated through the International Trachoma Initiative.
Sightsavers noted the dedication of many individuals and organisations but warned that trachoma can return unless awareness and services continue. Trachoma remains present in 39 countries, with Africa most affected.
Difficult words
- trachoma — Infectious eye disease that can cause blindness
- bacterial — Related to tiny disease-causing organisms
- prevention — Actions to stop a disease happening
- programme — Organised set of activities or servicesprogrammes
- antibiotic — Medicine that kills or stops bacteriaantibiotics
- surgery — Operation done by doctors to treat patientssurgeries
- sanitation — Systems for clean water and waste removal
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What local actions could help keep trachoma away after a country is declared free?
- Why are water and sanitation programmes important to prevent eye diseases like trachoma?
- How could health services keep people aware and able to get treatment in the future?
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