Fiji Becomes First Pacific Island Nation to Eliminate Trachoma, Says WHO

“WHO congratulates Fiji and its network of global and local partners on reaching this milestone,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated Fiji for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem — a historic milestone that marks the country’s first elimination of a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer poses a public health threat to Fijians, according to the WHO validation announcement on 21 October 2025.

With this achievement, Fiji becomes the 26th country in the world to eliminate trachoma and the 58th globally to eliminate at least one NTD, underscoring its leadership in health equity and disease control in the Pacific region.

“WHO congratulates Fiji and its network of global and local partners on reaching this milestone,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Future generations of Fijians have been given a precious gift in being set free from the suffering that trachoma has inflicted on their ancestors.”

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What Is Trachoma and Why It Matters

Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through personal contact, contaminated surfaces, and flies that come into contact with the eye or nasal discharge of infected persons. Repeated infections can cause scarring of the eyelids, leading them to turn inward and scratch the cornea, ultimately resulting in blindness if untreated.

Globally, trachoma remains endemic in 42 countries, affecting some of the world’s most marginalized communities—particularly those lacking access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Despite being preventable and treatable, trachoma continues to cause visual impairment in 1.9 million people worldwide, mostly in low-income and rural populations.

Elimination as a public health problem means that trachoma prevalence has been reduced to levels where it no longer constitutes a significant public health risk, and systems are in place to monitor and prevent its re-emergence.

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A Journey Decades in the Making

Fiji’s road to elimination reflects a century-long struggle and resilience. Historical medical reports from the 1930s and community-based surveys in the 1950s showed that trachoma was once a major cause of blindness in the islands. While prevalence declined in later decades due to improvements in sanitation and access to healthcare, concern resurfaced in the early 2000s after rapid assessments revealed unexpectedly high infection rates among children.

In response, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), with WHO’s support and assistance from international partners, launched a comprehensive national trachoma control programme.

Since 2012, Fiji has conducted a series of population-based prevalence surveys, laboratory studies, and impact assessments, supported by partners including the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI), the Fred Hollows Foundation, and Pacific Eye Institute. These studies helped distinguish trachoma from other causes of eye disease and guided interventions tailored to the Fijian context.

The approach integrated eye health initiatives with school-based screenings, community hygiene campaigns, and WASH programmes to address underlying risk factors. Improvements in clean water access, facial cleanliness promotion, and environmental sanitation played a pivotal role in reducing transmission.

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Voices of Leadership and Partnership

“Fiji’s success in eliminating trachoma is a beacon of what’s possible when communities, governments, and partners unite behind a shared goal,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “This achievement demonstrates the power of Pacific leadership and sustained investment in health.”

“This is a defining moment for health equity in the Pacific,” added Hon. Dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, Fiji’s Minister of Health and Medical Services. “It reflects years of coordinated action across villages, health facilities, and regional platforms. We celebrate our health workers and communities who made this possible. But our journey doesn’t end here—we now look to address other neglected tropical diseases across the Pacific.”

Partners also lauded Fiji’s achievement as an example of cross-sector collaboration—combining expertise from health, education, environment, and community sectors to reach remote islands and vulnerable populations.

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Regional and Global Impact

Fiji’s validation brings new momentum to the 2030 NTD Road Map, which aims to eliminate or control 20 neglected tropical diseases and disease groups globally by the end of the decade. The milestone contributes to Mission 2030, WHO’s global campaign to end NTDs as public health threats through integrated and sustainable national programmes.

In the Western Pacific Region, which encompasses 38 countries and areas, 13 Member States have now eliminated at least one NTD. Six—Cambodia, China, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam—have also successfully eliminated trachoma.

“Each validation adds momentum toward the 2030 goals,” Dr Piukala noted. “The Pacific is proving that even small island nations, with the right partnerships, can achieve world-class public health outcomes.”

Globally, the achievement strengthens WHO’s Eliminate Trachoma by 2030 Initiative (GET2020), launched in collaboration with governments, donors, and NGOs to accelerate progress through the SAFE strategy:

• Surgery for advanced cases;

• Antibiotics to treat infection;

• Facial cleanliness; and

• Environmental improvements to reduce transmission.

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Ensuring Sustained Elimination

While elimination marks a major victory, WHO emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and surveillance to prevent re-emergence. Fiji’s health system now includes integrated monitoring mechanisms, routine screenings, and community-based health education to ensure any new cases are quickly identified and treated.

The country’s success demonstrates the effectiveness of integrated NTD control programmes, where eye health, hygiene, and primary care interventions reinforce one another.

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A Step Toward Ending All Neglected Tropical Diseases

Neglected tropical diseases continue to affect more than 1 billion people globally, perpetuating poverty and disability. They disproportionately impact communities with limited healthcare infrastructure, often in remote and climate-vulnerable areas.

Fiji’s triumph over trachoma shows that even small island nations can lead by example in the global fight against NTDs. It sends a powerful message that elimination is achievable through political will, scientific evidence, and community engagement.

“Trachoma’s elimination in Fiji is not just a national milestone—it’s a regional inspiration,” said Dr Tedros. “It reminds us that through persistence and partnership, we can defeat all neglected diseases and bring health and dignity to every community.”