Fiji has been formally recognised for eliminating trachoma as a public health concern, becoming the 26th country worldwide to reach the milestone, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services announced on Monday. The accolade was presented in Geneva at the 79th Session of the World Health Assembly, where Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa received Fiji’s recognition from World Health Organization Director‑General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Dr Tedros congratulated Fiji on the achievement, noting trachoma remains the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. The ministry said the validation marks the elimination of Fiji’s first neglected tropical disease, a major public health milestone for the Pacific island nation and a sign of progress in preventing avoidable blindness.
Fiji’s health officials attributed the success to sustained community engagement, comprehensive health education and systematic integration of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) initiatives into national eye‑health programmes. The Ministry highlighted that combining outreach, clinical services and improvements in hygiene and environment helped interrupt transmission and ensure affected people received timely treatment and care.
“This historic achievement underscores the country’s steadfast leadership, the unwavering dedication of frontline health workers, and the resilient partnerships with international partners,” the Ministry of Health and Medical Services said in a statement delivered at the Assembly. Officials paid tribute to the role of community volunteers, nurses and eye‑care teams who conducted surveillance, surgery where needed and public education campaigns across the islands.
Public health experts say sustained surveillance and continued investment in WASH and primary health services are crucial to preventing the disease’s return. Trachoma, caused by repeated infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, can lead to irreversible blindness if left untreated; global control strategies combine surgery, antibiotics and interventions to promote facial cleanliness and environmental improvement to break transmission chains.
Fiji’s success is being framed domestically as both a boost to national health systems and a possible model for other small island developing states facing similar tropical disease burdens. The ministry said the validation reinforces Fiji’s commitment to universal eye health and will guide future efforts to tackle other neglected tropical diseases through integrated, equitable and community‑led approaches. International partners who supported programme delivery and capacity building were also acknowledged as integral to the outcome.