Trachoma
Context:
Recently, Government of India reached a great milestone by eliminating Trachoma as a public health problem.
- India became the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
- Due to the impact of Trachoma (through blindness and visual impairment), an estimated economic loss of $2.9 to 5.3 billion is accounted annually, owing to reduced productivity.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Health)
About Trachoma:
- Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes.
- It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis.
- Trachoma is contagious, spreading through contact with the eyes, eyelids, nose or throat secretions of infected people, if left untreated it causes irreversible blindness.
- It is found in underprivileged communities living in poor environmental conditions.
- It was amongst the leading cause of blindness in the country during 1950-60.
- The Government of India launched the National Trachoma Control Program in 1963 and later on Trachoma control efforts were integrated into India’s National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).
WHO’s stand:
- WHO has termed Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease.
- WHO estimates suggest that 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma and 6 million of them are blind or at risk of visually disabling complications.
- WHO SAFE (adoption of surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene, environmental cleanliness etc)strategy was implemented throughout the country.
- Finally, after years of fighting against Trachoma, WHO declared that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem
Economic and Social Significance of Trachoma Elimination
- Reducing trachoma prevalence is considered more of an economic and social victory.
- Trachoma-induced blindness meant lost productivity, draining resources and limiting community growth.
- As infections declined, productivity and economic potential for affected communities surged.
- This transformation can help break cycles of poverty when coupled alongside supportive government initiatives.
- With trachoma under control, communities are better positioned to thrive, both economically and in terms of quality of life.
Way forward:
- Eliminating trachoma as a public health problem doesn’t mean eradication, and there’s a risk of resurgence. Hence, continuous surveillance, adherence to the SAFE strategy, and improvements in sanitation are essential.
- The WHO recommends regular national surveys to detect any new cases.
- India’s success in controlling trachoma should also encourage similar efforts against other diseases like kala-azar and tuberculosis.
