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Fiji becomes the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem

Fiji becomes the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem

As a major public health achievement, Fiji has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. In a landmark public health achievement, Fiji was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to...

Fiji becomes the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem

As a major public health achievement, Fiji has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.

In a landmark public health achievement, Fiji was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) to recognize Trachoma as a public health problem.Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and the country's leading noncommunicable disease no longer poses a major public health threat.

Trachoma is the first NTD to be eliminated in Fiji.Fiji is the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem and the 58th country worldwide to eliminate at least one NTD.

"Thank you to Fiji and its network of international and regional partners for reaching this Milestone," said Dr. Tdros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General.

Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and is spread through personal contact, interaction with contaminated surfaces, and flies that come into contact with the eye or nasal secretions of an infected person.Repeated infections can lead to scarring, twisting of the eyelids, and eventually blindness.Worldwide, the disease remains endemic in many vulnerable communities where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.

Fiji success story

Dr. Saiji removed possible measles when there was opposition to the community and the Pacific.

Trachoma was a major public health problem in Fiji, with medical reports in the 1930s and studies in the region in the 1950s. In the 1980s, the situation decreased significantly, with cataracts and misdiagnosis emerging as the main causes of vision loss.

However, concerns were rekindled in the 2000s when rapid estimates suggested the presence of high levels of active trachoma in children, prompting the Ministry of Health to launch a comprehensive program to better understand the situation and take the necessary measures.

Since 2012, Fiji has undertaken a number of robust internationally supported surveys and studies, including population prevalence surveys and laboratory testing, to understand the local epidemiology of trachoma and distinguish it from other causes of eye disease.These sustained efforts, combined with school health, water and sanitation initiatives and public awareness programs, have confirmed that trachoma is no longer a public health problem in Fiji and that systems are in place to identify and manage future cases.

"Fiji Trachoma is a Health Asset in the Pacific."Said Dr. Ratiio Lavalio, who provides health and wellness services.

Contribute to global progress

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of diseases and conditions associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences.They are mostly common in mostly poor communities in the tropics.NTDs are estimated to affect more than 1 billion people.

The Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap 2021-2030 includes goals for the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of 20 diseases and disease groups by 2030.

As of 2016, 13 member states in the Western Pacific Region, covering 38 countries and regions, have certified the elimination of at least one NTD.Six of these (Cambodia, China, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Vietnam) have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.Eradication of trachoma is part of wider progress on the problem of NTDs in Fiji and the rest of the Western Pacific region.

Continue to support countries’ efforts to eliminate trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases and ensure healthier lives for all, especially the poorest.

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