Islamabad: Pakistan has successfully eliminated trachoma, an infectious disease causing blindness, achieving validation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for this significant public health accomplishment.
According to World Health Organization, the Fred Hollows Foundation played a crucial role in this achievement, working alongside the Government of Pakistan, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Heads of Government, and the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). Since 2015, these partnerships have focused on eradicating trachoma through comprehensive initiatives, including mapping affected areas, mass drug administration, and targeted surgeries across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit Baltistan provinces.
Trachoma, known as the leading infectious cause of blindness globally, tends to spread in areas lacking sufficient water and sanitation facilities. The disease is transmitted through personal contact and flies, affecting economic productivity and educational outcomes, particularly among mothers and children. The collaborative efforts in Pakistan have emphasized reaching the most remote areas, demonstrating a robust model of international and local partnership.
The successful elimination of trachoma marks another milestone for Pakistan, following the eradication of smallpox and Guinea worm in the early 1990s, and Dracunculiasis in 1993. This achievement reflects the potential impact of sustained, cooperative public health initiatives on enhancing community health and wellbeing.