Public health milestone
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According to a 2017 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, trachoma ranked as the fifth most common cause of blindness in Pakistan. The WHO identified the country as a priority target for its Global Elimination of Trachoma 2020 (GET2020) initiative, as the disease was endemic across four provinces of Pakistan and nearly 30,000 people were living with trichiasis – an advanced stage of trachoma.
After an almost two-decade-long fight against the disease, WHO officially recognised Pakistan as having eliminated trachoma as a public health concern in 2024. This milestone has now been acknowledged on an international platform, as Pakistan has been presented with an award for its successful elimination of the disease during the 78th World Health Assembly.
Pakistan's sustained efforts towards the successful elimination of trachoma reflect the government's unwavering dedication towards easing public healthcare concerns. Not only is this a remarkable achievement for the country's healthcare sector, but with trachoma reduced to levels that no longer pose significant risks to the population, Pakistan also joins the ranks of just 19 nations worldwide to have achieved this status.
Trachoma is an infectious disease of the eye spread by flies that breed in human faeces, fingers, hands, clothing or bedding. It spreads quite rapidly through contaminated objects and physical contact with infected persons. Therefore, it is more likely to spread in developing countries with overcrowded living conditions and poor sanitation.
The curtailment of trachoma ultimately means there have been improvements in public hygiene, sanitation systems and public health services. As part of WHO's global efforts to eliminate trachoma, Pakistan also implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, which integrates key elements of trachoma prevention and control.
This success underscores the country's broader commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and tackling preventable diseases through sustained interventions and global collaborations.
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