An infectious disease that once afflicted more than 90% of the Vietnamese population - and caused trichiasis in 15% of patients, leading to blindness in 2% of the rural population - has officially been eliminated.

On the afternoon of April 14, the Ministry of Health held a ceremony announcing the elimination of trachoma in Vietnam, marking the end of a more than 70 - year journey of sustained efforts in screening, treatment, and eradication of this once - widespread and dangerous disease.

Vietnam now joins a group of 21 countries worldwide that have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.

Trachoma is a chronic, contagious conjunctival inflammation caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The disease spreads through contact with eye discharge from infected individuals via hands, towels, or flies.

Its hallmark lesions include follicular inflammation, papillary hypertrophy, vascularization, and ultimately conjunctival scarring. This can lead to trichiasis (inward - turning eyelashes), corneal abrasions, and blindness.

Seventy years ago, more than 90% of Vietnamese people suffered from trachoma, commonly known in local terms as “mắt toét.”

Of these, 15% developed trichiasis, with blindness affecting up to 2% of the rural population. The disease severely impacted quality of life, causing persistent discomfort and long - term visual impairment.

Vietnam’s path to eliminating trachoma spanned multiple decades. Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan commended the Vietnam National Institute of Ophthalmology (VNIO) for its key technical role in implementing the national trachoma control and elimination program.

Highlighting trachoma as a disease rooted in poverty, Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam, praised the country’s achievement. She noted that remote communities without access to clean water and sanitation were the most severely affected.

Vietnam’s success, she said, demonstrates that even hard - to - reach populations can be served with the right investment, ensuring public health and a future free from trachoma.

Vo Thu