WHO: Vietnam eliminates trachoma as a public health problem.

Manila: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday that Vietnam has successfully eliminated trachoma, a significant infectious cause of blindness worldwide, marking a major milestone in global health efforts. The declaration was made during the 75th session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, emphasizing Vietnam’s rigorous control measures and extensive treatment efforts over the past seven decades.

According to WHO officials, Vietnam's achievement is the result of sustained public health interventions targeting the disease across the country. Trachoma was once a serious public health problem in four provinces, with about 1.7% of people living in these high-risk areas requiring surgery to prevent blindness from trachoma three decades ago. However, by 2023, the prevalence of the blinding form of trachoma had fallen below 0.2%, which meets the WHO’s validation criteria for trachoma elimination as a public health concern.

WHO validated Vietnam’s progress after extensive surveillance confirmed that the country had achieved the necessary reductions in trachoma prevalence. This accomplishment has been attributed to Vietnam's implementation of WHO's SAFE strategy, which stands for Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement. The SAFE strategy has been central to trachoma control efforts worldwide and has proven effective in Vietnam, helping to prevent the spread of the infection and ultimately eliminate it.

Xinhua news agency reported that Vietnam’s adoption of the SAFE strategy was a turning point in combating trachoma. It included regular eye screenings, access to antibiotics, education on facial hygiene, and measures to improve sanitation. These initiatives targeted the infection, which is primarily caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The disease spreads through direct or indirect contact with eye and nose discharges of infected individuals, with children acting as the main reservoir of infection. Flies are also a common vector, facilitating transmission in areas with inadequate sanitation.

WHO highlighted that Vietnam's achievement is a significant step forward in eliminating trachoma globally, encouraging other countries in the region and beyond to intensify their efforts. The organization noted that sustained efforts are essential to maintain this progress and prevent potential resurgence, emphasizing the importance of continued surveillance and public health interventions.

Vietnam now joins a growing list of countries that have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, underscoring the effectiveness of coordinated, large-scale health campaigns in combating infectious diseases and improving eye health globally.