Trachoma-Free India

    New Delhi. Asal baat News. Clear eyesight is one of life's most precious gifts, essential for daily activities, education, and overa...

Also Read

 

 New Delhi.

Asal baat News.

Clear eyesight is one of life's most precious gifts, essential for daily activities, education, and overall well-being. However, several diseases, such as trachoma, pose serious threats to eyesight, potentially leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated.Trachoma, a highly contagious bacterial infection, has been a major cause of preventable blindness worldwide.

According to WHO estimated 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma and 6 million of them are blind or at risk of visually disabling complications. Among them the infective stages of trachoma are usually found in children.

 

In a significant public health achievement, India has been officially declared free from trachoma by the World Health Organization (WHO). This milestone comes after years of dedicated efforts by the government to protect the vision of millions, emphasizing the importance of healthy eyesight for every individual.

 

What is Trachoma?

 

Trachoma is a devastating eye disease caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The primary source of trachoma infection is the eye secretions of infected individuals, it can be transmitted through several routes, including:

• Close physical contact, such as playing together or sharing a bed, especially among mothers and affected children.
• Sharing towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, and other personal items.
• Houseflies, which can carry the infection.
• Coughing and sneezing.

Environmental risk factors that promote the transmission of trachoma include:

• Poor hygiene practices.
• Overcrowded living conditions.
• Water scarcity.
• Inadequate latrines and sanitation facilities.

Addressing these risk factors is crucial to breaking the cycle of transmission and preventing the further spread of the disease.

Children are more vulnerable to trachoma:

As children experience repeated infections, scarring can occur on the inner surface of their upper eyelids. This scarring leads to a painful condition known as trachomatous trichiasis, where the eyelid margin turns inward, causing the eyelashes to constantly rub against the eyeball, but the hazards don’t end there. If left untreated, this condition can lead to visual impairment. Research shows that individuals may need to endure more than 150 infections over their lifetime to develop severe complications associated with blinding trachoma.

India’s Victory Against Trachoma

During the 1950s and 1960s trachoma was a significant public health concern in India. States like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the Nicobar Islands were heavily impacted, with over 50% of their populations affected during that period. By 1971, trachoma was responsible for 5% of all blindness cases in the country. In response to this pressing issue, India implemented a series of measures aimed at eradicating the problem.