International health award announcements

India Eliminates Trachoma in 2024, Becomes Third Country in SE Asia to Receive WHO Recognition

Oct 8, 2024, 09:05 PM

India has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem in 2024. The announcement was made during the 77th Regional Conference of the WHO South-East Asia Region (WHO SEARO). Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease and the leading infectious cause of blindness globally, has been a significant health challenge. India becomes the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone. The citation was received by Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The WHO's declaration reaffirms India's commitment to public health and its successful efforts in combating this debilitating disease. Dr. Tedros and Narendra Modi congratulated the health workers, communities, the government, and partners who collaborated to make this achievement possible.