In an important health milestone, Vietnam has successfully eradicated trachoma. This remarkable achievement was verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and a plaque was presented to Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Phuong, Deputy Minister of Health of Vietnam, during the 75th session of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Committee. , opened today in Manila.
Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Chlamydia trachomatis is a preventable eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma is spread by flies and can also be contracted by direct contact with secretions from an infected person’s eyes or nose. Repeated infections can cause eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye, causing pain and damaging the cornea. Some affected people may have to undergo surgery to prevent blindness from the disease.
Decades of joint effort
Over the past 70 years, Vietnam has worked tirelessly to combat trachoma, treating hundreds of thousands of people and implementing strict control measures. These efforts have been significantly strengthened by the implementation of the WHO’s SAFE strategy, which stands for surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement.
Previous studies have shown that trachoma is a public health problem in four provinces of Vietnam. Thirty years ago, 1.7% of people living in these high-risk states needed surgery to prevent blindness from trachoma. However, by 2023, the proportion of adults with the blinding form of the disease has fallen below 0.2%. This is the threshold required by WHO to validate the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Continuous monitoring and intensive implementation of the national SAFE strategy starting in 1999 contributed to this decline.
Eliminating trachoma in Vietnam was made possible through the collaboration of multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and with support from international health partners, including the WHO and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs. Trade and Industry (DFAT), Fred Hollows Foundation, International Trachoma Initiative (ITI), RTI International, UNICEF, United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Vietnam is one of the first countries to receive azithromycin donated by Pfizer to fight trachoma through ITI, and this donation is critical to global progress against trachoma.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: “The eradication of trachoma as a public health problem in Vietnam is a monumental achievement for this country and for the global fight against this disease.” said. “This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Vietnam’s healthcare workers, including many working at the local level. It highlights the power of common efforts. I commend Vietnam’s dedication and success in defending the vision of millions of people.”
Dr. Saia Mau Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, praised the achievement, saying, “The eradication of trachoma in Vietnam demonstrates the commitment of governments, health workers and communities across the country.” “This is a shining example of how targeted interventions, strong partnerships and sustained efforts can make a real difference to people’s health.”
A future without trachoma
Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO representative in Vietnam, said trachoma is a disease of poverty. “Remote communities without adequate access to safe water and sanitation have been the hardest hit. But Vietnam remains committed to reaching the hardest-to-reach people, protecting people’s health and ensuring a trachoma-free population.” We have demonstrated that it is possible to make the right investments to secure our future.”
Reflecting on this historic achievement, Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Phuong said the eradication of trachoma was a proud moment for Vietnam. “Thousands of people have been saved from lifelong blindness and economic disadvantage through the combined efforts of many agencies and communities, with support from WHO and partner organizations. Our Children. We can now safely outgrow this painful and potentially blinding disease. This is a great achievement for our people and will benefit them for decades to come. At this happy moment, on behalf of the Vietnamese people, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our international partners for their great support in eradicating trachoma in Vietnam.
In 2018, Vietnam eliminated lymphatic filariasis. The country has also made great strides in combating malaria, which now only occurs in some areas and is close to eradication.
Vietnam’s success is part of broader progress in disease prevention in the WHO Western Pacific Region. Since the launch of WHO’s first roadmap for the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in 2012, the region has made significant progress in eliminating trachoma. From 2016 to 2022, trachoma eradication was verified in four of the 11 trachoma-endemic countries in the region. Vietnam recorded the fifth achievement after Cambodia, China, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Vanuatu, underscoring the importance of continued efforts in tackling NTDs.
WHO continues to support countries in the region to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs as part of the global effort to improve the health and well-being of all people.
Notes to editors
In recognition of this achievement, Vietnam was presented with a certificate and a plaque at the 75th session of the Western Pacific Regional Commission held at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific from Monday 21 October to Friday 25 October. Manila, Philippines. Regional committee meeting agendas and schedules are available online. From here you can access a live stream of the minutes, all other official documents, fact sheets, and videos on issues to be addressed. Follow @WHOWPRO on Facebook for real-time updates.×Instagram and YouTube, hashtag #RCM75.
WHO is the United Nations specialized agency responsible for public health, working with 194 member states across six regions. Each WHO region has a regional committee, which is a governing body made up of ministers of health and senior officials from member states. Regional committees meet annually to agree on health activities and prioritize WHO’s work.
The WHO Western Pacific region includes American Samoa (United States), Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia (France), Guam (United States), Hong Kong SAR (China), Japan, and Kiribati. , Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Macau Special Administrative Region (China), Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Mongolia, Nauru, New Caledonia (France), New Zealand, Niue, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (United States), Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Pitcairn Island (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna (France).
