WHO validates India’s trachoma elimination

Elimination as a public health problem does not rule out future imported infection.

Pakistan met WHO criteria for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.

Trachoma control combines care for affected people with ways to reduce new infections.

Progress relied on disease monitoring and access to services in previously affected areas.

Elimination as a public health problem is a defined milestone, not a guarantee of no future cases.

Surveys in previously endemic areas confirmed that prevalence targets had been reached.

Post-validation plans included care for trichiasis and promotion of hygiene and sanitation.

WHO validation was followed by plans to watch for resurgence.

PAHO says its regional consultation on the WHO traditional medicine draft concluded on 17 October.

Health authorities from 16 PAHO member states gave input into the draft strategy.