Fiji wipes out Trachoma, Measles and Rubella

Fiji has achieved a significant health milestone by eliminating trachoma, measles and rubella as public health problems.

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially validated the achievement this week, with trachoma becoming the first neglected tropical disease eliminated in the country.

Fiji is now the 26th country globally to eliminate trachoma and the 58th worldwide to eliminate at least one neglected tropical disease.

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu called it “a defining moment for health equity in the Pacific.”

“This achievement reflects years of coordinated action across villages, health facilities and regional platforms, demonstrating the unwavering commitment of our healthcare workers and communities leading the change,” Dr Lalabalavu said.

Trachoma is caused by bacteria and spreads through personal contact and contaminated surfaces. Repeated infections can scar the eyelids and cause blindness.

The disease was once widespread in Fiji, with medical reports from the 1930s documenting significant problems.

Since 2012, Fiji conducted extensive surveys and integrated school health programmes, improved water sanitation, and raised community awareness to combat trachoma.

WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Fiji on the milestone.

“Future generations of Fijians have been given a precious gift in being set free from the suffering that trachoma has inflicted on their ancestors,” Dr Tedros said.

The Pacific has seen no ongoing transmission of measles and rubella since early 2020, thanks to stronger immunisation programmes.

Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, said Fiji’s success showed what was possible when communities, governments and partners united.

“WHO is committed to supporting countries across the region in advancing health for all so that no one is left behind,” Dr Piukala said.

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