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Blindness

Papua New Guinea Eliminates Trachoma as a Public Health Problem

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Papua New Guinea has achieved a significant milestone in public health by eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, validated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained partnerships and innovative approaches to addressing neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is a leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. The successful elimination of trachoma in PNG is a testament to the country's commitment to using science and targeted interventions to serve the health and dignity of its communities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease and leading infectious cause of blindness, has been eliminated as a public health problem in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
  • The WHO validated PNG's achievement during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, following a comprehensive review of the country's elimination dossier.
  • Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through personal contact, flies that have been in contact with eye or nose discharge, and contact with infected surfaces.
  • Repeated infections can lead to scarring, in-turning of the eyelids, and ultimately irreversible blindness, which affects vulnerable communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
  • Papua New Guinea's success was driven by robust disease surveillance, with population-based surveys conducted in 2015 and a follow-up ancillary survey in 2020 confirming the elimination of trachoma.
  • The country's National Department of Health, with support from partners, oversaw a series of rapid assessments, prevalence surveys, and community-level investigations, confirming that community-wide interventions for trachoma were not warranted.
  • PNG's trachoma elimination programme received technical and financial support from WHO, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Fred Hollows Foundation, and other organizations.

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