ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday stressed the need for effective supervision to prevent the return of trachoma to Pakistan after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the disease was no longer a public health problem in the South Asian country.
Trachoma is a disease of the eye caused by infection with the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium and can result in irreversible blindness if left untreated. Pakistan is the 19th country globally to reach this historic milestone, according to the WHO.
Speaking at a ceremony held with regard to trachoma’s elimination, PM Sharif said it was a “very fortunate day” in the history of Pakistan.
“It is hoped that this disease will never return to Pakistan,” he said in televised comments. “For this, we will always have to keep in place whatever preventive measures are there, and keep a very effective supervision and check and balance.”
The WHO earlier said Pakistan’s success in eliminating trachoma underscored the government’s political commitment to public health, the value of WHO technical support and the incredible contributions of health professionals, endemic communities, civil society and partners.
“The achievement is a significant marker in the global fight against preventable diseases and their elimination,” it said.
In 1997, Pakistan became the first country to be certified free of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) transmission, according to the WHO. Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem adds to this legacy.
The world health body said Pakistan’s successful elimination of trachoma as a public health problem served as a powerful reminder that the control, elimination and eradication of many neglected tropical diseases was an attainable goal.
In a statement, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the elimination of the disease as a “monumental achievement” for Pakistan.
“This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Pakistan’s health workers, including many working at community level,” Ghebreyesus said.
“It underscores the power of collective action, innovative thinking and a shared commitment to a healthier future for all. I commend Pakistan for its dedication and success in safeguarding the vision of millions.”
WHO says trachoma blinding disease no longer ‘public health problem’ in Pakistan
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WHO says trachoma blinding disease no longer ‘public health problem’ in Pakistan
- Trachoma is an eye disease caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium
- The infection can result in irreversible blindness if it is left untreated, the WHO says
Pakistan expresses solidarity with Australia as gunmen kill at least 12 in Bondi Beach shooting
- Gunmen targeted people gathered at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach to celebrate Jewish Hannukah festival
- Pakistan, itself a victim of “terrorism,” condemns violence against innocent civilians, says President Zardari
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed solidarity with Australia on Sunday as gunmen killed at least 12 people and wounded a dozen others in the Bondi Beach shooting that targeted the Jewish community in the country.
New South Wales (NSW) police said two people had been taken into custody, and the Australian Broadcasting Corp. said one of at least two gunmen was among those killed. Around a dozen people were taken to local hospitals after the shooting, an NSW ambulance spokesperson said.
The attackers targeted a large group gathered at the northern end of Sydney’s Bondi Beach, near or at Bondi Park playground, as per news reports, when the attack happened. Gunmen attacked people who were there to celebrate an event related to the Jewish festival of Hannukah.
“President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed sorrow over the tragic shooting in Sydney, conveyed condolences to the victims’ families & wished the injured a speedy recovery,” the president of Pakistan’s official account on X wrote.
“Pakistan itself a victim of terrorism, stands in solidarity with & condemns violence against innocent civilians.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the Sydney attack, expressing condolences with victims of the incident.
“Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he wrote on X.
As per international media reports, one of the gunmen has been identified as Naveed Akram from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s southwest. His country of origin remains unclear.
One of the world’s most famous beaches, Bondi is typically crowded with locals and tourists, especially on warm weekend evenings.
Videos circulating on X appeared to show people on the beach and nearby park scattering as multiple gunshots and police sirens could be heard. One video showed a man dressed in a black shirt firing a large weapon before being tackled by a man in a white T-shirt who wrestled his weapon off him. A different man was seen firing a weapon from a pedestrian bridge.
Another video showed two men pressed onto the ground by uniformed police on a small pedestrian bridge. Officers could be seen trying to resuscitate one of the men. Reuters could not immediately verify the footage.
The attack came almost exactly 11 years after a lone gunman took 18 people hostage at the Lindt Cafe in Sydney. Two hostages and the gunman were killed after a 16-hour standoff.
