Fiji Becomes 26th Country to Eliminate Trachoma as Public Health Threat

Fiji has achieved a major health milestone. The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated Fiji’s elimination of Trachoma as a public health problem. This makes Fiji the 26th nation globally to reach this goal and the 58th to eliminate at least one neglected tropical disease.

Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, spreads through close contact and flies that touch eyes or noses of infected people. Over time, repeated infections scar eyelids and can lead to blindness.

In Fiji, the disease was once common and caused serious vision loss. Since 2012, the country’s health system conducted large-scale surveys, paired treatment with improving water, sanitation, and hygiene, and boosted community awareness. That sustained effort has eliminated the disease as a public health threat.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General, hailed the achievement as a “precious gift” to future Fijian generations. Regional health officials called the success a “beacon of what’s possible when communities, governments and partners unite”.

Fiji’s win contributes to WHO’s broader goal of eliminating 20 neglected tropical diseases by 2030. WHO assures support will continue to help other countries – especially in the Pacific – reach similar milestones.

This victory shows that with coordination, investment and community commitment, even long-standing health burdens can be lifted.