Listen to Story India received recognition from the World Health Organisation South-East Asia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, the health ministry announced on Tuesday. "A significant milestone, this reaffirms the country’s commitment to eye health, disease prevention, and universal health coverage," a post by the health ministry on X stated. In 2017, India was declared free of infective trachoma at the launch of the National Trachoma Survey Report (2014-17).
The award for the citation was received by Aradhana Patnaik, Mission Director for National Health Mission. Trachoma, a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, has been a leading cause of blindness worldwide. This infectious disease primarily affects the eyes, leading to roughening of the inner surface of the eyelids.
If left untreated, it can cause severe pain, corneal damage, and eventually blindness. Blindness from trachoma is irreversible. The disease spreads through direct contact with eye, nose, or throat secretions from infected individuals, or indirectly through flies that have been in contact with these secretions.
The symptoms of trachoma include itching and irritation of the eyes and eyelids, discharge from the eyes, and sensitivity to light. According to the WHO, in advanced stages, it can cause the eyelids to turn inward, a condition known as trichiasis, where the eyelashes rub against the eyeball, causing pain and further damage. The symptoms of trachoma include itching and.