Along with India - Nepal, Myanmar, and 19 other countries have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health issue
In a big health achievement, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared India as officially free from trachoma, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced. According to the officials, the milestone has been achieved after decades of dedicated efforts to protect the vision of millions from the condition - caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
Trachoma has been a public health issue in nearly 40 countries, responsible for the blindness or visual impairment of about 1.9 million people. Doctors say blindness caused by trachoma is irreversible.
How was the government able to eliminate trachoma?
Once known as the leading cause of blindness – especially in the 1950s and 60s, the government says trachoma has been wiped out with the help of strong public health and community support. “This milestone comes after years of dedicated efforts by the government to protect the vision of millions, emphasizing the importance of healthy eyesight for every individual,” the ministry said in a statement.
According to experts, trachoma affected over 50 per cent of the populations in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the Nicobar Islands. In the 70s, the condition was responsible for 5 per cent of all blindness cases across the country.
And so the government administered a series of measures under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment, by adopting the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, which included surgery, antibiotics to wipe off infection, and facial cleanliness and environmental improvement to reduce transmission of the disease.
Health ministry says by 2018, they were able to reduce trachoma cases to just 0.008 per cent. “Through these continuous efforts, India has made significant strides toward eradicating trachoma. By 2017, India was declared free from infectious trachoma,” the ministry statement read.
Along with India - Nepal, Myanmar, and 19 other countries have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health issue.
What is trachoma?
According to experts, trachoma causes irreversible blindness and vision loss. It has been an issue in poor and rural areas throughout the world – especially with poorer hygiene, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and problems with crowding.
Doctors say trachoma – also known as trachomatous trichiasis, happens after you have repeated infections and bouts of inflammation and redness, which leads to the scar tissue on the inside of your eyelids scraped – making the cornea opaque, which means light cannot get through.
The condition also spreads through personal contact, with infected discharge from eyes and noses touching other people’s hands or infected clothing or bedding. Flies can also spread the infectious discharge from one person to another.
Signs and symptoms of trachoma
A few signs and symptoms of early stages of trachoma include:
- Red eyes with feelings of irritation
- Swollen eyelids
- Blurred vision
- Watery discharge from the eyes
- Discharge from the nose
- Pain in the eyes
- Light intolerance
- Impaired vision, possible blindness
Ways to avoid trachoma infection
According to experts, you can do a few things to protect yourself if you live in an area prone to infections. These include:
- Pay attention to your hygiene by making sure to clean your face well, removing any trace of discharge from your eyes and nose
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly
- Do not share towels or bedding
- Avoid areas where there are flies and insects
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