In a monumental achievement for public health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has validated the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Pakistan. Trachoma is a disease caused by infection by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium and can result in irreversible blindness if left untreated.
"Today marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards a healthier Pakistan", said Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. "Together with our partners, we not only celebrate this achievement but reaffirm our unwavering commitment to effectively control and eliminate diseases impeding our socioeconomic development by placing quality health care within the reach of everyone in Pakistan."
Mass drug administration to fight trachoma in Pakistan /© WHO.
Pakistan becomes the 19th country globally to reach this historic milestone. Its success in doing so underscores the Government of Pakistan's political commitment to public health, the value of WHO technical support and the incredible contributions of health professionals, endemic communities, civil society and partners like Sightsavers, Christian Blind Mission and the Fred Hollows Foundation. The achievement is a significant marker in the global fight against preventable diseases and their elimination.
"Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Pakistan is a monumental achievement for the country and for the global fight against the disease," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Pakistan's health workers, including many working at community level. It underscores the power of collective action, innovative thinking and a shared commitment to a healthier future for all. I commend Pakistan for its dedication and success in safeguarding the vision of millions."
In 1997, Pakistan was the first country to be certified free of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) transmission. Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem adds to this legacy. This latest success is not the end but a precursor to more milestone achievements along the road.
WHO's Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy underlined the significance of the achievement: "Congratulations to Pakistan on the elimination of trachoma. Now Pakistan has eliminated two neglected tropical diseases, demonstrating the country's dedication to public health and serving as an inspiration to all."
Pakistan's success highlights the effectiveness of the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy for eliminating trachoma, which includes Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics to clear infection, and Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement to reduce transmission.
"This is a remarkable achievement which will save thousands of people from preventable visual impairment or blindness," said WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng.
Pakistan's successful elimination of trachoma as a public health problem serves as a powerful reminder that the control, elimination and eradication of many neglected tropical diseases is an attainable goal.
The disease
Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease. It is caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which spreads from person to person through contaminated fingers, fomites and flies that have come into contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person.
Environmental risk factors for trachoma transmission include poor hygiene, overcrowded households, and inadequate access to water and sanitation.
To eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, WHO recommends the SAFE strategy1 a comprehensive approach to reduce transmission of the causative organism, clear existing infections and deal with their effects.
The 2021–2030 neglected tropical disease road map targets the prevention, control elimination and eradication of 20 diseases and disease groups by 2030. Progress against trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases alleviates the human and economic burden that they impose on the world's most disadvantaged communities.
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1 The SAFE strategy consists of: Surgery to treat the blinding stage (trachomatous trichiasis); Antibiotics to clear the infection, particularly mass drug administration of the antibiotic azithromycin, which is donated by the manufacturer, Pfizer, to elimination programmes, through the International Trachoma Initiative; Facial cleanliness; and Environmental improvement, particularly improving access to water and sanitation.
