India has achieved a historic milestone by eliminating trachoma, a once widespread infectious disease that affected millions, causing blindness. The journey from being heavily burdened by the disease to its complete eradication is a testament to the government’s commitment and strategic intervention, with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) playing a pivotal role in this success.
What is Trachoma?
Trachoma is an eye infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials and is exacerbated by poor hygiene and inadequate sanitation. If left untreated, repeated infections can lead to scarring of the eyelid, which causes the eyelashes to rub against the eye surface, leading to irreversible blindness.
In the mid-20th century, trachoma was rampant in India, affecting over 50% of the population in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. By 1971, trachoma was responsible for 5% of blindness cases across the country.
AIIMS and the National Trachoma Control Programme
India’s fight against trachoma began in earnest in 1963 with the launch of the National Trachoma Control Program (NTCP). The program, supported by WHO and UNICEF, utilized the SAFE strategy, which involves Surgery for advanced trachoma cases, Antibiotics to treat infections, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvements such as better sanitation and access to clean water.
AIIMS played a crucial role in scaling up these efforts by conducting extensive research, training healthcare workers, and developing surveillance systems to track the disease. The AIIMS module focused on early detection, ensuring timely interventions and spreading awareness about hygiene to prevent reinfections.
From Epidemic to Elimination
By 2017, trachoma prevalence in India had plummeted to just 0.7%, well below WHO’s 5% threshold for elimination. This success was confirmed by the National Trachoma Survey conducted from 2014-2017, which verified the decline in active cases, particularly among children, who are most vulnerable to infection. The collaboration between AIIMS, state health departments, and international partners was instrumental in achieving this goal.
Continued Vigilance and Final Certification
Even after India was declared trachoma-free in 2017, the country maintained strict surveillance to prevent a resurgence. By 2024, India’s trachoma elimination efforts were officially validated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The country joins Nepal, Myanmar, and 19 others globally in eradicating trachoma as a public health issue.
Key Factors Behind Success
The success of India’s trachoma elimination can be attributed to several factors:
A well-coordinated strategy led by the AIIMS module, focusing on both treatment and prevention.
Comprehensive public health campaigns emphasizing hygiene, sanitation, and facial cleanliness.
Strong partnerships between government agencies, international organizations, and local communities.
With trachoma no longer a public health problem, India has proven that even the most entrenched diseases can be eradicated through dedicated efforts, innovative strategies, and effective collaboration.
Source: This article is based on information from WHO and Indian Express
Key Highlights:
- India eliminated trachoma in 2017, with official WHO validation in 2024.
- AIIMS played a central role in the eradication efforts through its research, training, and surveillance systems.
- The SAFE strategy, which includes surgery, antibiotics, hygiene education, and environmental improvements, was key to success.
- The prevalence of trachoma dropped from 5% in 1971 to 0.008% by 2018.
