The World Health Organization has proved Malawi for the first time in southern Africa nation for eliminating trachoma bacterial eye infection as a health problem in the country, and it is among five countries in Africa that have achieved this milestone.

Malawi has been known to be endemic for trachoma since the 1980s. It was not until 2008 that trachoma received due to attention. In 2015 it was reported that 7.6 million people were at risk of trachoma and about 125 million are still batting the disease globally.

WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti said,”This is a life changing, millions of children who were at risk of contracting the disease have been saved. Other countries should follow suit, on how Malawi has fight against the disease.”

Ministry of Health spokesperson Adrian Chikumbwe said,”We are very proud with the results after the hard work, diligence and application in identifying cases, getting them effectively treated and interrupting further transmission of the disease in Malawi.”

Secretary for Health Dr. Charles Mwansambo said the validation has been achieved through good combination among all partners.