Trachoma: It was on January 26, 2022 when WHO (World Health Organization) validated Saudi Arabia for successfully eliminating a public health condition trachoma. After this, the country has become the fourth country to have achieved this feat.
The regional director of WHO praised the country for its efforts to eliminate trachoma. According to him, this is a remarkable achievement which will now save people from conditions like blindness or visual impairment which could be prevented.
This is what he stated, “This is a remarkable achievement that has saved people from preventable visual impairment or blindness. It is about improving quality of life and well-being,” said Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “Such success stories are encouraging and help us to eliminate more diseases in our Region.” he said.
@WHO validates #SaudiArabia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, a remarkable achievement that has saved people from preventable visual impairment or blindness. pic.twitter.com/QoRXNIxmjq
— The Saudi Post – English (@TheSaudiPost_En) February 21, 2022
The country achieved its success against trachoma which seems to be largely attributed through its eye catching national eye care program with all the primary health car services. It also happened through various cross sector collaboration as well.
As per the latest health news, WHO and Saudi Arabia will continue to monitor some other previously endemic areas to ensure a huge and rapid response to any resurgence.
Trachoma
Trachoma is a bacterial disease that attacks eyes by causing infection. The bacteria responsible for this disease is called Chlamydia trachomatis.
In this disease, the infection generally spreads through contaminated hands and fingers. It can also happen through flies and fomites that often come in contact with discharge from the nose or eyes of the person infected.
There are certain environmental risk factors that enhance the chances of spreading trachoma. It includes certain factors like inadequate access to sanitation, overcrowded households and poor hygiene.
The above condition starts infecting the upper eyelids among children in cases of reinfection. And this results in the inward turning of the eyelid margin, with the eyelashes touching the eyeball.
The above condition happens to be a painful one which is also known as trachomatous trichiasis. In case, the above condition is left untreated, it can lead to blindness and visual impairment.
