Fiji becomes the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem

In a significant public health achievement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Fiji for the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and the world's leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer poses a threat to public health in the country.

Trachoma is the first NTD to be eliminated in Fiji. Fiji is the 26th country to have eliminated trachoma as a public health problem and the 58th country in the world to have eliminated at least one NTD.

“WHO congratulates Fiji and its network of global and local partners on achieving this milestone,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Future generations of Fijians have been given the precious gift of freedom from the suffering that trachoma inflicted on their ancestors.”

Trachoma is caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and is spread by personal contact, interaction with contaminated surfaces, and on flies that have been in contact with discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person. Repeated infections can lead to scarring, drooping of the eyelids and eventually blindness. Globally, the disease remains endemic in many vulnerable communities where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.

Fiji's success story

“Fiji's success in eliminating trachoma is a beacon of what is possible when communities, governments and partners unite behind a common goal,” said Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “This is a celebration of the power of Pacific leadership and the impact of sustainable investment in health. WHO congratulates Fiji and is committed to supporting countries across the region in advancing health for all so that no one is left behind.”

Trachoma was once a significant public health problem in Fiji, with medical reports from the 1930s and community surveys from the 1950s documenting widespread disease and risk of blindness. By the 1980s, the condition had declined significantly, and cataracts and refractive errors emerged as the main causes of vision loss.

However, concern was renewed in the 2000s, when rapid assessments indicated high levels of active trachoma in children, prompting the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to launch a comprehensive program to better understand the situation and take the necessary measures.

Since 2012, Fiji has conducted a series of extensive, internationally supported research and studies, including population-based prevalence surveys and laboratory testing, to understand the local epidemiology of trachoma and differentiate it from other causes of eye disease. These ongoing efforts, integrated with school health, water and sanitation initiatives and community awareness programs, have confirmed that trachoma is no longer a public health problem in Fiji and that systems are in place to identify and manage future cases.

“The elimination of trachoma in Fiji is a defining moment for health equity in the Pacific,” said the Honorable Dr. Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, Fiji's Minister of Health and Medical Services. “This achievement reflects years of coordinated action – in villages, health facilities and regional platforms – demonstrating the unwavering commitment of our health workers, communities leading change. As we celebrate this milestone, we call on our donors and partners in the Pacific and beyond to continue to support accelerated action on neglected tropical diseases to address other diseases not only in Fiji, but across the Pacific”.

Contribution to global progress

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of diseases and conditions associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. They are mostly prevalent among poor communities in tropical areas. WHO estimates that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people.

Objectives included in Roadmap for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030 cover the prevention, control, elimination and eradication of 20 diseases and groups of diseases by 2030.

As of 2016, 13 Member States in the Western Pacific region, covering 38 countries and territories, have been confirmed by WHO to have eliminated at least one NTD. Of these, six (Cambodia, China, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Vietnam) have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. The elimination of trachoma is part of wider progress in the fight against NTDs in Fiji and the rest of the Western Pacific region.

WHO continues to support countries in their efforts to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs, ensuring healthier lives for all, especially the most disadvantaged.