Under the WHO ‘Vision 2020’ programme. the ‘SAFE’ strategy is adopted for which of the following diseases?
**Core Concept**
The WHO 'Vision 2020' programme is a global initiative aimed at eliminating avoidable blindness by the year 2020. The 'SAFE' strategy is a comprehensive approach to tackle a specific disease, which is a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The 'SAFE' strategy is specifically designed to combat Trachoma, a major public health problem caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This disease leads to chronic conjunctivitis and eventually can cause blindness if left untreated. The SAFE strategy includes:
* S: Surgery to correct trichiasis (inward growth of eyelashes)
* A: Antibiotics to treat the infection
* F: Facial cleanliness to prevent the spread of the disease
* E: Environmental improvement to reduce transmission
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the 'SAFE' strategy is not used for Onchocerciasis (River Blindness), which is another major cause of preventable blindness in developing countries. Onchocerciasis is treated with Ivermectin.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the 'SAFE' strategy is not used for Cataract, a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Cataract is treated with surgery, but the 'SAFE' strategy is specifically designed for Trachoma.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because the 'SAFE' strategy is not used for Diabetic Retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that can cause blindness. Diabetic Retinopathy is treated with laser photocoagulation and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The 'SAFE' strategy is a classic example of a comprehensive public health approach to tackle a preventable disease. It highlights the importance of a multi-faceted approach to address a complex health problem.
**Correct Answer:** C. Trachoma.