Experts from AIIMS & GBP Hospital to Conduct Rapid Assessment Tests and Prevalence Study on Trachoma

Port Blair, Mar 28: Trachoma, the leading cause of infectious blindness globally, usually affects the most social economically deprived population. India is among the five countries accounting for nearly half of the global burden of active trachoma. The last national survey on trachoma conducted in six states in 2006 reported that 5.8% of children aged 1-9 years had signs of active trachoma infection. India is committed to elimination of trachoma related blindness. In order to achieve this goal, remote, poor and marginalized populations of the country where trachoma is likely to be endemic, need to be surveyed for prioritizing interventions to eliminate trachoma.

In a survey conducted by a team of experts from Dr. R. P. Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi and Eye Department, G. B. Pant Hospital headed by Eye Specialist during April 2010 in Nicobar Islands, a very high magnitude of active trachoma infection as well as trichiasis was reported. As per the report, Car Nicobar is a hyperendemic area for Trachoma and it was recommended to provide Mass Azithromycin treatment to all the residents of Car Nicobar Islands annually for next three years. As per the recommendation of expert team, 03 Rounds of MDA conducted by a team from Eye Department, G.B. Pant Hospital during September 2010, Nov. 2011 and Nov 2012 and average coverage is 85.78 %.

Now, as per the direction of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India, a team of experts will be reaching Port Blair on 30/03/2013 from Dr. R. P. Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi. The team along with a team from Eye Department, G.B. Pant Hospital, Port Blair will conduct Rapid Assessment of Trachoma in South Andaman District (Cattlegunj, Tushnabad, Manglutang, Garacharama & Chidyatapu) & N&M Andaman District (Mayabunder, Pokkadera, Lucknow, Karmatang & Pahalgaon) from 31st March to 4th April 2013 to assess the magnitude of trachoma in South Andaman District & N&M Andaman District. The team will also conduct Prevalence Study of Trachoma in Car Nicobar from 5th April 2013.

“All the people of respective area are requested to provide support to the expert team from Dr. R. P. Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi and Eye Department, G.B. Pant Hospital for conducting Prevalence Study of Trachoma in Car Nicobar & Rapid Assessment of Trachoma in South Andaman District & N&M Andaman District. The survey will very useful to prevent from corneal blindness in future,” a release from Health Department said here today.