El Salvador eliminates trachoma, world’s leading cause of infectious blindness
San Salvador: El Salvador has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the latest country to defeat the world’s leading cause of infectious blindness.
The World Health Organization called the milestone a “remarkable achievement” and said it reflects “strong political commitment, strategic investment, and community engagement.”How trachoma spreads
Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection spread by contaminated fingers or flies that have touched an infected person’s eyes. It is most common in poorer regions with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Without treatment, repeated infections can lead to blindness.
What helped El Salvador succeed
Health officials credit improvements in sanitation, faster diagnosis, and mass antibiotic rollouts for driving cases down.“El Salvador’s success is a vital step towards our global target of eliminating trachoma worldwide by 2030 and a clear signal that a healthier, more equitable future is within reach,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Global progress
According to the WHO, the number of people at risk of trachoma has dropped 94% globally since 2002.The organization says El Salvador’s elimination brings the world closer to eradicating trachoma as a public health threat by 2030.
