WHO Honors Vietnam for Eliminating Trachoma, a Leading Cause of Blindness
Achievement marks a significant milestone in Vietnam's public health efforts
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized Vietnam for successfully eliminating trachoma, the world's leading infectious cause of blindness. The announcement was made at the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, which began on Monday in the Philippines. This milestone follows seven decades of dedicated efforts by Vietnam to combat the disease through treatment programs and stringent control measures.
Vietnam intensified its fight against trachoma by implementing WHO's SAFE strategy—Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement. Surveys conducted in the past indicated that trachoma was a public health issue in four provinces, with 1.7 percent of residents requiring surgery to prevent blindness 30 years ago. By 2023, this rate had fallen below the 0.2 percent threshold necessary for WHO validation of elimination.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, lauded Vietnam's accomplishment as a monumental achievement in the global fight against trachoma. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong expressed pride in the country's success, emphasizing that the collaborative efforts have saved thousands from lifelong blindness and economic hardship.
Trachoma is a preventable eye disease caused by the bacterium *Chlamydia trachomatis*. It spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or flies that have been in contact with eye or nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to the eyelashes turning inward, causing pain and corneal damage, potentially leading to blindness if not surgically corrected.
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Vietnam intensified its fight against trachoma by implementing WHO's SAFE strategy—Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement. Surveys conducted in the past indicated that trachoma was a public health issue in four provinces, with 1.7 percent of residents requiring surgery to prevent blindness 30 years ago. By 2023, this rate had fallen below the 0.2 percent threshold necessary for WHO validation of elimination.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, lauded Vietnam's accomplishment as a monumental achievement in the global fight against trachoma. Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong expressed pride in the country's success, emphasizing that the collaborative efforts have saved thousands from lifelong blindness and economic hardship.
Trachoma is a preventable eye disease caused by the bacterium *Chlamydia trachomatis*. It spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or flies that have been in contact with eye or nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to the eyelashes turning inward, causing pain and corneal damage, potentially leading to blindness if not surgically corrected.
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