| GS Paper 2: Social Issues, GS Paper 3: Science and Technology |
Why in the News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that India has successfully eliminated Trachoma as a public health issue.
This makes India the third country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve this important milestone.
What’s Covered in Today’s Article?
- What is Trachoma?
- Why was Trachoma a major challenge in India?
- How did the Indian government combat Trachoma?
- What is the significance of WHO’s declaration of India as trachoma-free?
About Trachoma:
- Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness globally.
- It is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through direct or indirect contact with eye or nose secretions, especially among young children.
- In endemic areas, up to 90% of preschool-aged children can be infected, with the infection rate decreasing with age.
What are the Symptoms?
- Repeated infections over time lead to scarring inside the eyelid, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye (trachomatous trichiasis), resulting in pain, corneal scarring, and eventual blindness.
- Women are at higher risk due to frequent contact with infected children.
Transmission Factors and Prevalence:
- Trachoma spreads in conditions of poor hygiene, overcrowded living spaces, and limited access to clean water and sanitation.
- The WHO classifies Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease, affecting an estimated 150 million people worldwide, with 6 million at risk of visual impairment or blindness.
- It remains prevalent in rural areas of Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Middle East, with Africa being the hardest hit.
Global Efforts for Elimination:
WHO’s SAFE strategy aims to eliminate Trachoma, focusing on:
- Surgery for trichiasis,
- Antibiotics for mass treatment
- Facial cleanliness,
- Environmental improvements like better water and sanitation access.
By October 2024, 20 countries have eliminated Trachoma, with a global target of 2030 for complete elimination.
Why Was Trachoma a Challenge in India?
1. High Prevalence in Specific States:
Trachoma was once a leading cause of blindness in hyper-endemic regions like Punjab, Rajasthan, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Garhwal (Uttarakhand) from 1971-1974, with a prevalence rate over 50%. Controlling the disease in these heavily affected areas was particularly difficult.
2. Decline in Trachoma Cases:
- By 2005, trachoma accounted for only 4% of blindness cases in India.
- A 2006-2007 survey showed a significant reduction in prevalence, prompting a focused assessment in high-risk regions.
How Did the Indian Government Address Trachoma?
Early Efforts:
- Trachoma was a leading cause of blindness in the 1950s and 60s.
- The National Trachoma Control Program was launched in 1963, later integrated into India’s National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).
About NPCB:
The National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCB&VI) was initiated in 1976 as a fully centrally sponsored scheme, which has now shifted to a 60:40 funding ratio for most states and 90:10 for northeastern states.
The program, led by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, aimed to reduce the prevalence of blindness to 0.3% by 2020. Its primary objective is to ensure ‘Eye Health for All’ by preventing visual impairment and providing comprehensive, universal eye care services with a focus on delivering high-quality care.
Results of Government Initiatives:
- In 1971, 5% of blindness was caused by Trachoma, but by 2017, after various interventions under NPCBVI (National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment), it was reduced to less than 1%.
- The National Programme for Control of Blindness was launched in 1976 as a fully centrally sponsored scheme with the objective of reducing the prevalence of blindness from 1.4% to 0.3%.
- WHO’s SAFE strategy was implemented nationwide.
- Programs like Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission were instrumental in the country’s success.
Ongoing Surveillance:
From 2019 to 2024, trachoma surveillance continued across all Indian districts.
The National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT) Survey from 2021 to 2024 covered 200 endemic districts as part of NPCBVI efforts, following WHO’s trachoma elimination guidelines.
What Does WHO’s Declaration Mean for India?
- Being declared trachoma-free by WHO marks a major public health achievement for India, highlighting improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
- Trachoma is often linked to poor sanitation, a common issue in developing countries.
- The elimination of Trachoma demonstrates India’s progress in overcoming these challenges, contributing to improved overall public health.
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