India Celebrates Trachoma Elimination Milestone

In a significant milestone, India has been awarded the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a public health problem by the World Health Organization (WHO). This announcement was made by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, underscoring India's dedication to healthcare.

The Indian health ministry expressed its pride on the achievement, highlighting it as a testament to the country's efforts in disease elimination and preventive healthcare. The government's commitment to maintaining health for all has played a crucial role in reaching this milestone, the ministry shared via a post on X.

Trachoma, known as a leading cause of infectious blindness, is caused by a chlamydial infection. It often results from poor hygiene and insufficient clean water supply, spreading through contact with secretions from the eyes, nose, or throat of infected individuals or indirectly via flies. With this achievement, India becomes the third country in the region after Nepal and Myanmar to eliminate Trachoma as a public health issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)