India Eliminates Trachoma as a Public Health Problem

India has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this, as confirmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Trachoma is a bacterial infection of the eyes caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis, which can lead to irreversible blindness if untreated. It spreads through contact with infected individuals’ eyes, eyelids, or secretions.

During a meeting in New Delhi, Saima Wazed, WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia, presented an official certification to Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. WHO classifies trachoma as a neglected tropical disease, affecting 150 million people globally, with six million at risk of blindness.

Trachoma was a leading cause of blindness in India during the 1950s and 60s. The Indian government initiated the National Trachoma Control Programme in 1963, later integrating it into the National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB). By 1971, blindness due to trachoma was at five percent, but thanks to interventions under the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), it has reduced to less than one percent.

India implemented the WHO SAFE strategy, which includes surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene, and environmental cleanliness. In 2017, India was declared free from infective trachoma, but surveillance continued until 2024. The National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT only) Survey was conducted in 200 endemic districts from 2021-24, as mandated by WHO. The compiled reports were submitted to WHO for final review, leading to the declaration of trachoma elimination in India.