The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized Fiji as the 26th country worldwide to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, marking a major milestone in global eye health and disease prevention.

Trachoma, a contagious bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, is the leading infectious cause of preventable blindness worldwide. WHO’s validation confirms that Fiji has successfully reduced the prevalence of trachoma to below the thresholds set for public health concern and has implemented sustainable surveillance and hygiene programs to prevent resurgence.

The achievement is attributed to a comprehensive national strategy that included mass drug administration (MDA) of azithromycin, improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and strong community engagement for early detection and treatment. The country also implemented the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy — Surgery for advanced cases, Antibiotics to treat infection, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvements.

Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia, congratulated Fiji, stating, “Fiji’s achievement demonstrates that with sustained commitment, partnerships, and evidence-based interventions, even the most challenging neglected tropical diseases can be eliminated as public health problems.”

Fiji’s success serves as a model for other Pacific Island nations and countries globally struggling with trachoma. It reinforces WHO’s goal of eliminating preventable blindness due to trachoma worldwide by 2030 under the VISION 2020 and WHO NTD Roadmap initiatives.

National health authorities in Fiji emphasized that continued surveillance, hygiene promotion, and access to clean water remain priorities to ensure that trachoma does not re-emerge, sustaining long-term eye health for communities across the islands.