Trachoma

Trachoma Latest News

Recently, Fiji became the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.

About Trachoma

• It is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis which affects the eyes.
• It is contagious; spreading through contact with the eyes, eyelids, nose or throat secretions of infected people, if left untreated it causes irreversible blindness.
• It is found in communities who are living in poor environmental conditions.
• Treatment: The two drugs recommended for trachoma are azithromycin and an ointment made with tetracycline.

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Signs and Symptoms of Early Stages of Trachoma Include:

• Red and irritated eyes.
• Swollen eyelids.
• Blurred vision.
• Watery discharge from the eyes.
• Discharge from the nose.

Initiatives by the World Health Organisation Regarding Trachoma

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease and its estimation suggests that 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma.
• To eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, WHO recommends the SAFE strategy.

Source: WHO