NEWS

• Recently, Fiji became the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.
• This milestone highlights the global progress against neglected tropical diseases.

HIGHLIGHTS

About Trachoma

• Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Transmission: Highly contagious; spreads through contact with:
  • Eye, eyelid, nose, or throat secretions of infected individuals.
• Affected Communities: Predominantly found in areas with poor environmental sanitation and hygiene.

Signs and Symptoms

• Early-stage symptoms:
  • Red and irritated eyes.
  • Swollen eyelids.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Watery discharge from eyes and nose.
• Complications: If untreated, can lead to irreversible blindness.

Treatment

• Medications:
  • Azithromycin (oral antibiotic).
  • Tetracycline ointment (topical treatment).

WHO Initiatives

• Global Burden: Estimated 150 million people worldwide are affected by trachoma.
• Classification: Recognized as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) by WHO.
• Elimination Strategy – SAFE:
  • S: Surgery for advanced cases.
  • A: Antibiotics to clear infection.
  • F: Facial cleanliness to prevent spread.
  • E: Environmental improvement (clean water, sanitation).