India eliminates trachoma as a public health problem 

Current Context : Recently, India became the third country in the South-East Asia Region (after Nepal and Myanmar) to eliminate Trachoma, a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD).

ABOUT TRACHOMA

• Trachoma is a contagious eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
• Transmission: Direct contact with eye, nose, or throat secretions.
• Impact: Can lead to permanent blindness if untreated.
• India’s Progress: In 1971, Trachoma accounted for 5% of blindness in India, but now it has reduced to less than 1%.

ABOUT NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES (NTDS)

• NTDs are a group of infections caused by various pathogens like viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins.
• They predominantly affect impoverished communities in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Called “Neglected” because they receive low global attention, lack adequate funding, and are often linked to social stigma and exclusion.

GLOBAL AND INDIAN INITIATIVES TO CONTROL NTDS

Global Initiatives:

• Global NTD Annual Reporting Form (GNARF).
• Global Vector Control Response (GVCR)2017–2030.
• Kigali Declaration on NTDs (2022).

Indian Initiatives:

• National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP).