WHA51.11 Global elimination of blinding trachoma

Overview

The Fifty-first World Health Assembly,

Recalling resolutions WHA22.29, WHA25.55 and WHA28.54 on the prevention of blindness, and WHA45.10 on disability prevention and rehabilitation;

Aware of previous efforts and progress made in the global fight against infectious eye diseases, in particular trachoma;

Noting that blinding trachoma still constitutes a serious public health problem amongst the poorest populations in 46 endemic countries;

Concerned that there are at present some 146 million active cases of the disease, mainly among children and women, and that in addition, almost six million people are blind or visually disabled as a result of trachoma;

Recognizing the need for sustainable community-based action - including surgery for inturned eyelids, antibiotics use, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement (the SAFE strategy) - for the elimination of blinding trachoma in the remaining endemic countries;

Encouraged by recent progress towards simplified assessment and enhanced management of the disease, including large-scale preventive measures, particularly for vulnerable groups;

Noting with satisfaction the recent establishment of the WHO alliance for the global elimination of ,trachoma, comprising certain collaborating nongovernmental organizations and foundations and other interested parties.