Duchess of Edinburgh Champions Ambitious Goal to Eliminate Blinding Trachoma in the Commonwealth by 2030 

HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, during a visit to Tanzania to witness firsthand the work of Sightsavers in combating blinding trachoma, announced today a bold ambition: the elimination of blinding trachoma across the Commonwealth by 2030. 

In her capacity as Global Ambassador for the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), the Duchess highlighted the Commonwealth’s remarkable strides in recent years, with nations like Benin, Mali, The Gambia, Ghana and Malawi successfully eliminating this debilitating disease. This achievement underscores the Commonwealth’s commitment to eye health, set out in the 2018 and 2022 CHOGM communiqués on quality eye care for all, trachoma eliminations and child eye health. 

During a reception in Dar es Salaam celebrating health collaboration, The Duchess delivered a speech recognising progress made in Tanzania to rid the country of trachoma – the infectious and blinding eye disease – and the work still to be done. Her Royal Highness set the ambition for the elimination of trachoma across the Commonwealth by 2030 and delivered a short message from His Majesty The King commending the ongoing efforts: 

“As Patron of one of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness’s members, ‘Sightsavers’, and knowing that The Duchess of Edinburgh is with you today in Tanzania, I particularly wanted you all to know how full of admiration and gratitude I am for your passion and devoted efforts in treating and preventing neglected tropical diseases, especially trachoma. Your constant dedication and hard work will lead us to a world where inclusion and equality can be realised across our Commonwealth.” 

Commenting on the speech Peter Holland, CEO of IAPB, said. “This bold goal mirrors our 2030 In Sight strategy, which aims to integrate eye health into universal health coverage by the end of the decade. Together with our members, we are fully committed to supporting the Commonwealth in its efforts to eliminate blinding trachoma and ensure everyone has access to quality eye care.” 

As the Commonwealth prepares to meet in Samoa this October, IAPB and its members will intensify collaboration with governments, international organisations, and partners to accelerate progress toward eliminating blinding trachoma. 

Ahead of CHOGM, HRH called for the elimination of trachoma across the Commonwealth by 2030 and recalled The King’s words from His Majesty’s Commonwealth Day message this year in which he said that ‘The Commonwealth family is strongest when we are connected’ and our ‘shared endeavours’ give us strength.

Trachoma, a neglected tropical disease, is the primary infectious cause of blindness globally. It is caused by a bacterial infection spread through contact with eye and nose discharge from infected individuals, particularly young children. Repeated infections can lead to eyelid scarring, turning the eyelashes inward, scratching the cornea, which is extremely painful, and eventually causing blindness. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit to Tanzania precedes World Sight Day on October 10th, which this year emphasises the importance of eye care for young people and encourages children worldwide to cherish their eyesight. 

For more information contact Courtenay Holden, Head of Communications and Campaigns at [email protected].