Global health milestone as Pakistan becomes 19th country to eliminate blinding trachoma

Press note for immediate release

Wednesday 2 October 2024

Global health milestone as Pakistan becomes 19th country to eliminate blinding trachoma

Sightsavers commends Pakistan following the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement yesterday that it has become the nineteenth country to eliminate blinding trachoma as a public health problem. This phenomenal achievement means around 3.7 million people1 in Pakistan are no longer at risk of going blind from trachoma. The global community is now one step closer to achieving the WHO goal of global elimination of trachoma as a public health problem.

Trachoma starts off as a bacterial infection that can be easily treated. But if it’s not, over time this can lead to blindness.

Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, said in a statement: “As we celebrate the recognition by the WHO as a trachoma free country, let us also recognise that our journey does not end here. We must continue to prioritise health, invest in our healthcare infrastructure, and ensure that every citizen has access to the essential services they need. Our goal is to build a healthier, more resilient Pakistan for future generations. I am grateful to all the support provided by our international partners mainly Sightsavers, The Fred Hollows Foundation and CBM for their invaluable technical and financial support to reach this milestone.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the WHO, our health professionals, and all those who contributed to this monumental achievement. Together, we will continue to strive for a healthier Pakistan.”

Munazza Gillani, Director Pakistan and Middle East at Sightsavers, comments:
“Congratulations to Pakistan on the elimination of the painfully blinding disease trachoma. Today, we celebrate not only a monumental achievement in public health, but also the resilience and dedication of countless individuals and organisations who have come together in this fight.

“This milestone is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, commitment, and compassion of partners and stakeholders with a shared goal. However, let us not forget that this achievement is both a celebration and a commitment. It is a reminder that we must remain vigilant in our efforts to eliminate trachoma everywhere.”

The value of partnership is clear in this achievement. The health success story is the result of years of concerted efforts by the government and organisations including Sightsavers, The Fred Hollows Foundation, and CBM. It would also not have been possible without the support of health workers, communities, volunteers, donors, and pharmaceutical organisations.

The number of people at risk of trachoma has dropped by 93%, from around 1.5 billion people in 2002 to 103 million worldwide in 2024, according to WHO figures. But despite huge global progress, trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide and still affects people in at least 38 countries, the vast majority of whom are in rural and marginalised communities.

Over the years, Sightsavers has supported initiatives in all provinces of Pakistan. This includes trachoma surgery, training of over 1,700 health workers and eight trachoma surgeons, hygiene facility improvements, school and community awareness, and distribution of 500,000 doses of medication.