The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that Papua New Guinea (PNG) has eliminated the eye disease trachoma as a public health problem.

The confirmation was welcomed by The Fred Hollows Foundation, which helped drive the final push to eliminate the disease in PNG, with the support of the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development following commitments made to Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting and the Australian Government through its NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

Trachoma is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. The disease thrives in areas where the water is scarce, and sanitation is poor.

The infection is easily spread through personal contact and by flies that have been in contact with people’s eyes or noses. It disproportionately affects mothers and children.

Ross Piper, CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation, congratulated the PNG Government and partners for working collectively to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.

“This is a significant achievement that is only made possible through cooperation and collaboration from local through to international partners.

“The Government of Papua New Guinea has played a leading role in driving trachoma elimination activities and ensuring we reach the most remote areas of the country.

“Our implementing partners, the National Department of Health and PNG Eye Care, have played a central role in driving the programme forward, alongside our research partner, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

“We’re also grateful for the strong technical and advocacy support provided by the World Health Organization and the National Prevention of Blindness Committee, as well as survey support from the International Trachoma Initiative and Tropical Data.”

FOUNDATIONAL WORK BEGAN IN 2012

Foundational efforts to eliminate trachoma in PNG began in 2012 with trachoma rapid assessments conducted to lay the groundwork for success.

Organisations that have made vital contributions to trachoma efforts include Brien Holden Vision Institute, Collaborative Vision, The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, The Global Trachoma Mapping Project, The PNG Institute of Medical Research, Sightsavers, and The Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand.

The Foundation’s Trachoma Coordinator, Dr Ana Cama, said “Trachoma in Papua New Guinea is complex and presents atypically. Additional research and ancillary surveys looking at levels of scarring on the inner eyelid and limbal signs pathognomonic for trachoma in 10–14-yearold children was crucial in understanding the picture of trachoma in the country and ultimately moving the country into drafting its dossier.”