India Eliminates Trachoma Disease: WHO

Trachoma Disease

• It is an infectious eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
• It is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide and primarily affects people in impoverished regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
• WHO has termed Trachoma as a Neglected tropical disease (NTD).
• Transmission
  • Through direct contact with eye or nose secretions from infected individuals.
  • It can also spread via contaminated objects (like towels) and through flies that carry the bacteria.
• At-Risk Populations:
  • Preschool-age children are the main reservoir for the infection, but anyone in crowded living conditions without proper hygiene can be affected.
  • Blindness from trachoma is irreversible.

Prevention and Treatment

• No trachoma vaccine is available, but prevention is possible.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the SAFE strategy, which includes:
  • Surgery: To correct trichiasis (inward-turning eyelashes).
  • Antibiotics: Mass treatment with azithromycin to clear infections.
  • Facial Cleanliness: Promoting hygiene to reduce transmission.
  • Environmental Improvements: Enhancing access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

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