India’s Trachoma Elimination

22.05.2025

India’s Trachoma Elimination

Context :
On May 20, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially certified that India has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. This recognition follows years of targeted government programs focused on eye health, hygiene awareness, and disease control, especially in poor and rural regions.

About the News.

• India became the third Southeast Asian country to do so, after Nepal and Myanmar.
• India had already announced its success in 2024.
• The certification now confirms India met WHO's elimination standards.

Characteristics / Provisions of Trachoma

• Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
• It spreads through unclean hands, shared towels, or contact with infected eye discharge.
• If left untreated, it can lead to blindness due to corneal damage.
• WHO's SAFE strategy includes: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement.
• India followed community-based antibiotic distribution and eye surgeries.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and water sanitation schemes supported prevention efforts.

Challenges in Elimination

• Poor hygiene in slums and tribal areas causes repeated infections.
   Example: In parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, infection rates remained high due to open defecation and water scarcity.
• Women are more affected, often due to close contact with infected children.
   Example: A study showed women in rural Bihar had 3x higher infection risk.
• Lack of rural health facilities delayed diagnosis and treatment.
   Example: Remote areas lacked trained eye specialists or proper equipment.
• Community hesitation toward antibiotics slowed progress.
   Example: Some villagers in Uttar Pradesh avoided government-distributed medicines due to fear and misinformation.
   

Way Forward for Sustaining Success

• Continue health surveillance in earlier affected districts.
  Example: Screening campaigns in Rajasthan and Gujarat must continue annually.
• Improve clean water access and household sanitation.
   Example: Linking Jal Jeevan Mission with trachoma control in remote villages.
• Train more health workers in eye care services.
   Example: Local ASHA workers can monitor trachoma signs during home visits.
• Introduce eye checkups in schools to catch early infections.
   Example: Midday meal inspections can include hygiene and eye assessments.
   

Conclusion

India’s success in eliminating trachoma shows how public health goals can be achieved with community support, government programs, and strong disease surveillance. Maintaining clean environments and regular health checks is now essential to prevent a future comeback of this preventable eye disease.