India has achieved a significant milestone by eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. The WHO has validated India's achievement, recognizing its efforts in combating the disease.
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| India has triumphed in its battle against trachoma, a debilitating eye disease that affects millions worldwide. Image Courtesy: WHO |
New Delhi, India – October 8, 2024:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated India's achievement of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma, a leading cause of blindness globally, has been eradicated from the country through a concerted effort involving the government, healthcare workers, and partners.
"India's elimination of trachoma is a testament to its commitment to alleviating the suffering of millions," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "WHO has worked closely with India to realize this achievement, and we congratulate the government, health workers, and partners who have collaborated to make it possible."
India joins Nepal and Myanmar in the WHO South-East Asia Region and 19 other countries globally that have previously achieved this feat. The elimination of trachoma in India is a significant milestone, as the disease continues to be a public health problem in 39 countries and is responsible for the blindness of about 1.9 million people.
India's success in eliminating trachoma can be attributed to several factors, including strong leadership from the government, effective community-based interventions, and the implementation of the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy. The SAFE strategy involves surgery, antibiotics, face cleanliness, and environmental improvement.
The elimination of trachoma in India is a major victory for public health and a testament to the country's commitment to improving the lives of its citizens. It also serves as an inspiration for other countries striving to eliminate this debilitating disease.