The World Health Organisation (WHO) officially declared India free of trachoma, an eye disease that can cause blindness, during the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed this development in the 123rd episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’. “I am delighted to share with you that WHO has declared India free of Trachoma, an eye disease. This is the success of our health workers. ‘Jal Jeevan’ Mission has contributed to this,” said PM Modi.
India became the third country in the Southeast Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
India’s Efforts to Eliminate Trachoma
The Government of India implemented a series of targeted health interventions under the National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI). Since 2019, the programme has maintained a continuous surveillance system by collecting data from all districts through a WHO-recommended format. The National Trachomatous Trichiasis Survey covered 200 endemic districts from 2021 to 2024. WHO awarded the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem to India last month, validating the nation’s successful elimination of the disease.
#MannKiBaat | In the 123rd episode of #MannKiBaat, PM Narendra Modi highlighted two major achievements earning global recognition — India being declared Trachoma-free by the World Health Organization (WHO), and a significant rise in social protection coverage acknowledged by the… pic.twitter.com/1ebCOam41B
— DD News (@DDNewslive) June 29, 2025
PM Modi Highlights International Yoga Day
During his address, PM Modi also spoke about the growing global adoption of yoga. “On June 21, millions across the country and the world took part in the International Day of Yoga celebrations. It began 10 years ago. Over the 10 years, every year this tradition has become grander than before. This indicates that more people are incorporating yoga into their lives,” he said. The 10th anniversary of International Yoga Day marked record participation in India and abroad.
Pilgrimage Routes Reopen for Devotees
PM Modi confirmed the resumption of the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra after several years and announced the upcoming Amarnath Yatra beginning July 3. “The Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra has resumed after a long time. My best wishes to those who are about to embark on these pilgrimages,” said the Prime Minister. These religious journeys draw thousands of devotees every year, and their reopening marks a significant development in spiritual tourism.
