Fiji Declared Free of Trachoma, a Major Win in Global Fight Against Neglected Tropical Diseases
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Fiji has achieved a landmark victory in public health, officially validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. This milestone marks the first time the country has eliminated a neglected tropical disease (NTD), and offers a powerful example of success in combating preventable blindness.
A Historic Achievement for the Pacific Nation
The WHO’s validation confirms that trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness globally, no longer poses a significant public health threat within Fiji’s borders. “WHO congratulates Fiji and its network of global and local partners on reaching this milestone,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Future generations of Fijians have been given a precious gift in being set free from the suffering that trachoma has inflicted on their ancestors.”
Understanding Trachoma: A Preventable Blindness
Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through close personal contact, contaminated surfaces, and via flies that have encountered eye or nose discharge from an infected individual. Repeated infections lead to scarring of the eyelids, eventually causing them to turn inward and rub against the cornea, resulting in blindness. The disease disproportionately affects vulnerable communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
Fiji’s Journey to Elimination
While trachoma was a significant public health concern in Fiji as early as the 1930s, with widespread disease documented through medical reports and surveys, the condition saw a decline by the 1980s. However, renewed concern arose in the 2000s when assessments indicated high levels of active trachoma among children. This prompted the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to launch a comprehensive program to address the issue.
Since 2012, Fiji has undertaken extensive, internationally supported surveys and studies – including population-based prevalence surveys and laboratory testing – to understand the local epidemiology of trachoma and differentiate it from other eye diseases. This sustained effort was integrated with initiatives focused on school health, water and sanitation, and community awareness. These combined strategies have demonstrably confirmed that trachoma is no longer a public health problem in Fiji, and that systems are in place to manage any potential future cases.
A Beacon of Hope for the Region
“Fiji’s success in eliminating trachoma is a beacon of what’s possible when communities, governments, and partners unite behind a shared goal,” said Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “This is a celebration of the power of Pacific leadership and the impact of sustained investment in health.”
The achievement is particularly significant as Fiji is the 26th country globally to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem and the 58th country worldwide to eliminate at least one NTD. Honourable Dr. Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, Minister of Health and Medical Services of Fiji, emphasized that this “defining moment for health equity in the Pacific” reflects “years of coordinated action – across villages, health facilities and regional platforms – demonstrating unwavering commitment of our health-care workers, communities leading the change.” He also called on donors and partners to continue supporting efforts to combat other NTDs throughout the Pacific region.
Global Progress Against Neglected Tropical Diseases
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, primarily in impoverished communities in tropical areas, causing devastating health, social, and economic consequences. The WHO’s Roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021–2030 outlines targets for the prevention, control, elimination, and eradication of 20 diseases and disease groups by the end of the decade.
Since 2016, 13 Member States in the Western Pacific Region – encompassing 38 countries and areas – have been validated by the WHO for eliminating at least one NTD. Six of these nations – Cambodia, China, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam – have successfully eliminated trachoma. This progress underscores the growing momentum in the global fight against NTDs, with the WHO continuing to support countries in their efforts to ensure healthier lives for all, particularly the most vulnerable populations.
