British News Agency

According to a statement from the WHO, Fiji achieved a groundbreaking success in public health and was officially recognized by the organization for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.

The statement noted that 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 eliminate trachoma as a public health problem and the 58th country in the world to eliminate at least one NTD.”

WHO Director-General Ghebreyesus said: “Congratulations Fiji! For the first time, a neglected tropical disease has been eliminated in the country: trachoma has been completely wiped out. Thanks to the dedication of the government, healthcare workers, and the community, future generations of Fijians have been given an invaluable gift – freedom from the suffering their ancestors endured due to trachoma.”