Trachoma – the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, which is classified as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) – has been eliminated in Fiji, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Fred Hollows Foundation has welcomed the WHO validation, having helped drive the work towards eliminating the disease in Fiji, with the support of the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Trust (2016-2019) and the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).
The disease thrives in areas where water is scarce, and sanitation is poor. The active infection is more commonly seen in children, where blinding complications are seen in adults and older people.
“The active infection is more commonly seen in children, where blinding complications are seen in adults and older people
Ross Piper, CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation, congratulated the Government and partners for working collectively to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.
He said the “significant achievement” had only been made possible “through cooperation and collaboration from local through to international partners”.
A Project Commenced in 2016
The Foundation’s Pacific Trachoma Lead, Dr Anasaini Cama, said trachoma in Fiji had been complex and presented atypically.
Efforts to eliminate the disease in Fiji started with trachoma surveys conducted prior to 2016 by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), which laid the groundwork for success.
“Additional research and ancillary surveys looking at levels of scarring on the inner eyelid and limbal signs pathognomonic for trachoma in 10 to 14-year-old-children, was crucial in understanding the picture of trachoma in the country and ultimately moving the country into drafting its dossier,” Dr Cama said.
The Foundation acknowledged the vital contributions of the following organisations to trachoma efforts:
- Project Heaven
- Pacific Eye Institute (PEI)
- IAPB
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
- The Burnet Institute
- The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ
- WHO (Division of Pacific Support)
Sara Webster, The Foundation’s Pacific Country Manager said the country’s journey to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem “demonstrates that by working in partnership at the global and local levels, we can deliver results that have a lasting impact on people’s quality of life and wellbeing”.
