The World and Pan American Health Organization (WHO / PAHO) recognized Mexico as a nation free of trachoma as a public health problem, making it the first country in the region and third in the world to achieve this goal.

At the ceremony held in the central courtyard of the Ministry of Health, PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, handed over to the head of this unit, Dr. Jose Narro Robles, the document certifying that the country is free of this disease, The leading cause of infectious blindness.

Dr. Carissa Etienne highlighted Mexico's leadership in eliminating poverty-related diseases such as trachoma and onchocerciasis, which affected rural communities in the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca.

He recalled that in October 2015, Mexico was recognized by this organization for the elimination of onchocerciasis. Two years later, of trachoma, demonstrating the government's interest in improving the health and well-being of the population, as well as reducing inequality and poverty.

The director of PAHO underscored the work carried out by the health brigades for years to bring to the inhabitants of these communities’ preventive and hygiene actions, as well as treatments, before federal, state, brigade and health workers. "Without their work and effort, the elimination of these diseases would not have been achieved."

Mexico is an example for the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, its successful experience in eliminating these pathologies will be useful for combating this and other diseases that affect the population of the region.

At the time, Mexico´s Minister of Health, Jose Narro Robles, thanked the brigade groups in Chiapas and Oaxaca for their work, often anonymous, that has been efficient and contributed to the achievement of both awards.

"If we had not had the motivation and commitment of the health workers over many years, and if we had not been able to motivate the participation of the community, we would not have had this moment," he reiterated.

Dr. Narro Robles insisted on the importance of guaranteeing access, services and health care of the population, which are the most relevant commitments and responsibilities of any State.

During the ceremony, 20 acknowledgments were given to brigades’ members of the Onchocerciasis and Trachoma Program of Chiapas and Oaxaca.

They were the Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, Pablo Kuri Morales; The coordinator of the Trachoma Program in San Cristobel de las Casas, Chiapas, Dey Carol Damien González and the representative of PAHO / WHO in Mexico, Gerry Eijkemans.

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