Quang Nam joins hands to eliminate trachoma

This is the result of more than 70 years of efforts to make Vietnam one of five countries in the Western Pacific region to achieve this achievement.

Many eye disease screening programs are conducted free of charge for many subjects in Quang Nam. Photo: LE QUAN

Proud Achievement

Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis , was once a major cause of blindness. The disease is spread by direct contact with secretions from the eyes or nose of an infected person, or indirectly by flies, towels, and personal items.

In Vietnam, before 1945, the incidence of the disease was alarming: 60% in the North, 50% in the Central region, and 30% in the South. Symptoms such as itchy eyes, swollen eyelids, discharge, and the appearance of "grains" on the conjunctiva can lead to serious complications such as trichiasis, corneal scarring, and permanent blindness if not treated promptly.

Difficult living conditions, poor hygiene, and lack of clean water in many rural areas, especially in mountainous areas, have created a favorable environment for the spread of disease, especially in children under 10 years old and women over 35 years old.

To eliminate trachoma, together with the World Health Organization (WHO), Vietnam has implemented treatment programs, raised awareness and improved living conditions. Hundreds of thousands of people have been examined and treated, along with public education campaigns on personal hygiene habits.

By implementing the WHO SAFE strategy, focusing on surgical treatment of trichiasis, antibiotic use, and improved personal and environmental hygiene, after 30 years, by 2023, the incidence of the blinding form of the disease has fallen to below 0.2% - the threshold for WHO to confirm that the disease is no longer a public health problem.

On April 14, 2025, at the Central Eye Hospital, the Ministry of Health held a ceremony to officially announce the eradication of trachoma, marking the end of a disease that once threatened the vision of millions of Vietnamese people. Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Lien Huong - Deputy Minister of Health emphasized: "This is a proud moment, the result of cooperation between agencies, communities and international partners".

Quang Nam Eye Hospital is currently equipped with modern facilities and equipment. Photo: LE QUAN

Access to advanced ophthalmology services

In Quang Nam, eye care activities have been promoted to protect people’s vision health, especially after the achievement of trachoma eradication. Eye care programs here focus on raising awareness, screening, and providing high-quality medical services.

In 2023, according to information from Fred Hollows Vietnam, the project "Eye care and primary health care for the elderly in Quang Nam province" reached nearly 10,000 elderly people; communicated about eye care to 6,567 people in 71 communes, wards and towns; supported cataract surgery for more than 1,000 elderly people, of which 61-65% of beneficiaries were women.

Elderly people in Nui Thanh, Phu Ninh, Thang Binh and Tam Ky localities also have their refraction measured and glasses provided, creating more convenient conditions for reading books and newspapers, watching television and using the phone.

In addition, free or low-cost eye examination programs for people, especially children and the elderly, are also being implemented in many localities. These programs aim to detect early diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism). Mobile examinations are also being implemented in rural, mountainous, and remote areas.

Currently, the quality of examination and treatment of eye diseases at medical facilities in Quang Nam has improved significantly. Photo: LE QUAN

In particular, the school eye care program has been continuously implemented for many years with remarkable activities. From integrating eye care content into the educational program, instructing students on how to rest their eyes properly to reduce the risk of myopia, to diversifying forms of propaganda. In particular, Quang Nam Newspaper has cooperated with the Department of Education and Training and Quang Nam Eye Hospital for many years to conduct livestreams to schools to increase understanding of eye care for school-age children.

Quang Nam is also investing in upgrading medical equipment at ophthalmology facilities and specialized hospitals. At the same time, doctors and medical staff are sent for advanced training at major hospitals to improve the quality of medical examination and treatment. These efforts ensure that people have access to advanced ophthalmology services right in the locality.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/quang-nam-dong-hanh-xoa-bo-benh-dau-mat-hot-3152914.html