© CBM

Partnership in Action: How collaboration eliminated Trachoma in Pakistan

The elimination of trachoma in Pakistan is the result of decades of strategic efforts, collaborative initiatives, and sustained investments in healthcare and community engagement. With Pakistan now recognised as the sixth country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate this disease, this accomplishment highlights the potential for overcoming systemic health challenges through partnership and leadership.

Consultation workshop for the development of Pakistans trachoma elimination dossier. © CBM
Consultation workshop for the development of Pakistans trachoma elimination dossier.

On October 1, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Pakistan free of Trachoma—a milestone marking the end of a decades-long battle against the world’s leading infectious cause of preventable blindness. Pakistan joined 19 countries worldwide and became the sixth country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) to reach this significant accomplishment following Oman (2012), Morocco (2016) Islamic Republic of Iran (2018) Saudi Arabia (2022) and Iraq (2023). This achievement underscores what is possible when visionary leadership, systemic collaboration, and sustained investment come together

What, then, does it mean?

For years, trachoma thrived in Pakistan’s rural communities, where limited access to clean water and healthcare left families vulnerable. If left untreated, the disease leads to irreversible blindness, trapping generations in cycles of poverty and disability. When a country achieves trachoma elimination, the disease is no longer a public health problem. Specifically, it indicates that the country has reduced the prevalence of the disease to levels that no longer pose a significant risk to the population. WHO recognises this status based on strict criteria. 

To be officially recognized for trachoma elimination, a country must show that in all affected areas, fewer than 5% of children aged 1–9 have signs of active infection (trachomatous inflammation-follicular or TF). Additionally, fewer than 0.2% of adults aged 15 and older should have advanced cases (trachomatous trichiasis or TT), which can lead to blindness. These low levels must be maintained for at least two years before WHO grants elimination status.

Two decades of strategy, science, and resilience

Pakistan’s initial efforts to control trachoma date back to the 1950s, but the programme stalled due to resource constraints. The programme resumed in the early 2000s when Prof. Mohammad Daud Khan revitalized efforts under WHO’s Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 initiative. His successor, Prof. Asad Aslam Khan, steered the National Trachoma Task Force (NTTF), implementing the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy: 

  • Surgery for advanced cases, 
  • Antibiotics (Azithromycin) via mass drug administration (MDA), 
  • Facial hygiene education, 
  • Environmental improvements to water and sanitation. 

By 2002, a National Trachoma Rapid Assessment identified high-risk districts, enabling targeted action in areas where active trachoma and trichiasis (an in-turning of the eyelashes due to repeated trachoma infection that scars the cornea) were prevalent. Over 20 years, the NTTF mobilised resources, trained health workers and trichiasis surgeons, distributed millions of antibiotic doses through MDAs, and mobilised communities to adopt preventive practices. 

Milestone of Pakistans journey towards trachoma elimination

  • © CBM

People and partners who contributed to this success

Prof Asad Aslam Khan, who succeeded as the National Coordinator, proficiently carried forward the foundational role of Prof Mohammad Daud Khan. He continues to serve as Chair of the NTTF today.

The CBM teams at both the Regional Office and Pakistan Country Office contributed substantively in ensuring the programme’s success. They provided long-term technical support, from training health workers to advocating for policy integration.

Dr. Mohammed Babar Qureshi, CBM’s Director of Inclusive Health Initiatives, designed Pakistan’s SAFE strategy and led critical field assessments as the first National Field Coordinator. His leadership extended globally. He chaired the Trachoma Expert Committee and led the EMR Alliance for Trachoma Control. Additionally, he serves as Vice President of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). He also guided Pakistan’s WHO certification dossier, which certified the elimination of Trachoma as a public health problem in the country.

Dr Zahid Hussain Awan, CBM’s IEH Project Manager, has been part of the trachoma elimination journey in Pakistan since 2000. He mobilised resources and ensured life-changing services reached remote communities.

CBM worked with partners to achieve this success the Fred Hollows Foundation, Sightsavers, corporate partners, and Pakistan’s government-aligned resources and expertise. Communities became active partners—adopting hygiene practices, participating in drug campaigns, and advocating for cleaner environments. 

A model for global health

Pakistan’s victory proves that eliminating neglected tropical diseases is achievable with long-term commitment. For institutional and government donors, this milestone demonstrates how strategic investment in partnerships can dismantle systemic health barriers.  

Become a partner

 CBM invites donors to replicate this model in other regions where preventable blindness persists. If you're interested in being part of this success, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would love to discuss how we can collaborate!

Become a partner
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Publications and resources

  • CBM NTD Annual Report 2024

    pdf, 7.3MB, Accessible

    In 2023, CBM made a remarkable impact, reaching an unprecedented number of people by delivering life-changing services focused on trachoma, onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, soil-transmitted worm infections and schistosomiasis. We successfully reached 54.1 million community members, providing them with much-needed care and support. Our commitment to preventive measures was demonstrated through the administration of 88.7 million doses of preventive chemotherapy, significantly reducing the burden of NTDs in high-risk communities

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