India is the third country in the South-East Asia Region after Nepal and Myanmar that eliminated this Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD).
- Previously WHO declared India free from two other NTDs (Guinea Worm disease (2000) and Yaws (2016)).
About Trachoma
- It is eye infecting disease caused by infection with bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
- It is contagious (spreading through contact with eyes, nose etc.) disease and If left untreated can cause irreversible blindness.
- Status in India: In 1971, blindness due to Trachoma was 5% and now it has come down to less than 1%.
- Interventions for Trachoma: National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), Adoption of WHO SAFE strategy etc.
What are NTDs?
- NTDs are a diverse group of conditions caused by a variety of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi and toxins).
- These are mainly prevalent among impoverished communities in tropical areas living in poor environmental conditions.
- Called Neglected because they are almost absent from global health agenda, have Low global funding and are associated with stigma and social exclusion.
Steps Taken to curb NTDs:
- Globally: Global NTD Annual Reporting Form (GNARF), Global vector control response 2017–2030 (GVCR) and Kigali declaration on NTDs (2022)
- India: National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP)
