On October 8, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially validated India’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, was a leading cause of blindness globally. With this achievement, India joins Nepal and Myanmar as the third country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate trachoma. The official recognition was awarded during the WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee meeting in New Delhi, with the certification presented to Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of India’s National Health Mission.
Historical Efforts to Control Trachoma
India’s efforts to fight trachoma began in 1963 with the launch of the National Trachoma Control Program. The government implemented multiple strategies, including surgeries, antibiotic distribution, and the promotion of facial cleanliness and environmental hygiene, known as the SAFE strategy. These interventions were further integrated into the National Program for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI). Over the years, these efforts reduced trachoma-related blindness, which was once as high as 5%, to less than 1% by 2017.
WHO SAFE Strategy and Milestone Achievement
The SAFE strategy, which stands for Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement, played a crucial role in trachoma elimination. By 2018, trachoma prevalence had dropped to just 0.008%. WHO then validated these findings through nationwide surveys conducted between 2019 and 2024. The National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT-only) survey, conducted in 200 endemic districts from 2021 to 2024, confirmed that India had met the global elimination targets.
Ongoing Surveillance and Commitment
To maintain this success, India has developed a post-validation surveillance plan that focuses on continuing community awareness, providing surgical services, and promoting hygiene practices. This ongoing commitment ensures that trachoma remains under control and helps prevent future outbreaks. The success of India’s trachoma elimination is a testament to the effectiveness of sustained health programs and a model for other countries facing similar challenges.
Trachoma as a Public Health Problem- Summary:
- WHO officially validates India’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem.
- Trachoma was once a major cause of blindness in India but has been reduced to less than 1% due to extensive health efforts.
- India joins Nepal and Myanmar in eliminating trachoma in the WHO South-East Asia Region.
- The National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT-only) survey confirmed the achievement.
- The SAFE strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement) was key to the success.
- Ongoing surveillance will ensure continued success in trachoma control.
Key Developments
| Key Event | Details |
| WHO Validation Date | October 8, 2024 |
| Trachoma Elimination Target | Achieved in 2024 |
| Trachoma Control Program | Launched in 1963 |
| Reduction in Prevalence | From 5% in 1971 to less than 1% in 2017 |
| SAFE Strategy | Implemented throughout the country |
| National Survey | Conducted from 2021-2024 |
Read Official- WHO certifies India’s triumph over trachoma
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