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Mahesh

09/10/24 10:29 AM IST

WHO declares that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024

In News
  • India received recognition from the World Health Organisation South-East Asia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.
About Trachoma
  • Trachoma, a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, has been a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
  • This infectious disease primarily affects the eyes, leading to roughening of the inner surface of the eyelids.
  • If left untreated, it can cause severe pain, corneal damage, and eventually blindness. Blindness from trachoma is irreversible.
  • The disease spreads through direct contact with eye, nose, or throat secretions from infected individuals, or indirectly through flies that have been in contact with these secretions.
  • The symptoms of trachoma include itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids, discharge from the eyes, and sensitivity to light.
  • According to the WHO, in advanced stages, it can cause the eyelids to turn inward, a condition known as trichiasis, where the eyelashes rub against the eyeball, causing pain and further damage.
India's Prevention program
  • India’s success in eliminating trachoma is attributed to the concerted efforts of the government, healthcare workers, and community participation.
  • As per WHO, the SAFE strategy to treat trachoma includes surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics to clear infection, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement to reduce transmission.
  • In 2019, AIIMS along with the National Program for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment under the health ministry issued guidelines to implement WHO's SAFE strategy for trachoma elimination.
  • The WHO defines the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem when the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis is less than 0.2% in people aged 15 years and above, and the prevalence of active trachoma in children aged 1-9 years is less than 5%. 
Source- PIB

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