News: World Health Organization says that India has successfully eliminated trachoma.
1. Trachoma: It is an eye infection caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
2. It is a contagious disease, which can spread through personal contact with infected person and by flies in contact with infected persons.
3. Blindness caused due to trachoma is irreversible.
4. Some of the risk factors include living in crowded areas, poor sanitation and lack of hygiene, young children in the 4-6 age group.
5. WHO recommends a SAFE Strategy (Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial Cleanliness, Environmental Improvement) for prevention and control of trachoma.
