The Fred Hollows Foundation has expressed great enthusiasm following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) announcement that Fiji has officially eliminated trachoma as a public health issue. This significant milestone marks a major achievement in public health, given that trachoma is recognized as the leading infectious cause of blindness globally and falls under the category of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).
The Foundation’s efforts in addressing trachoma in Fiji began with a partnership with the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Trust from 2016 to 2019, supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). Trachoma prevalence is often linked to poor water supply and sanitation, heavily impacting vulnerable populations, particularly children, and leading to serious vision impairments in adults.
Ross Piper, CEO of the Fred Hollows Foundation, praised the collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including the Fijian government, international organizations, and partners like Project Heaven, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and the Burnet Institute. “This is a significant achievement made possible through cooperation and collaboration from local to international partners,” Piper noted, emphasizing the crucial nature of unified efforts in eradicating this disease.
Fiji’s path to eliminating trachoma started even before 2016, with foundational surveys carried out by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), establishing the groundwork for this success. Dr. Anasaini Cama, the Foundation’s Pacific Trachoma Lead, highlighted that understanding the complexities of trachoma in Fiji required thorough research to guide effective initiatives.
With this recognition from WHO, Fiji joins a select group of just 26 countries worldwide that have successfully eliminated trachoma, and it becomes the 58th country to eradicate at least one NTD. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, remarked on the significance of this milestone, envisioning a future for coming generations free from the suffering caused by trachoma.
Fiji’s Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, hailed this achievement as a pivotal moment for health equity in the Pacific, crediting the extensive collaboration across communities and healthcare facilities.
The successful elimination of trachoma highlights Fiji’s commitment to advancing public health outcomes and illustrates the impactful results of targeted health investments. As Fiji progresses, there is optimism for continued advancement in tackling other health challenges, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of life for its citizens. This achievement stands as a testament not only to public health victories but also as a beacon of inspiration for ongoing global health collaboration and intervention efforts.