Nepal Ophthalmic Society calls for prevention of SHAPU eye disease

KATHMANDU: The Nepal Ophthalmic Society has urged the Ministry of Health and Population to take immediate action to prevent SHAPU, an eye disease that has been affecting various regions of Nepal for decades.

During a meeting with Health Secretary Dr. Roshan Pokhrel, society officials, including President Assoc. Prof Dr. Purushottam Joshi , General Secretary Dr. Tejsu Singh Malla and Uveitis specialist Prof Dr. Ranju Sitaula submitted a memorandum requesting the government’s intervention. The society has also requested that Seasonal Hyperacute Panuveitis (SHAPU) be recognized as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) in Nepal.

This serious eye infection has been prevalent in Nepal for over five decades, primarily affecting marginalized and vulnerable communities.

According to the president Dr. Purushottam, Nepal Ophthalmic Society and other stakeholders along with The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the Ministry of Health has been raising awareness about SHAPU. Following an outbreak in 2023, the disease was incorporated into Nepal’s Early Warning and Response System (EWARS) and Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS).

He further stressed that research, prevention strategies, and treatment efforts must be prioritized along with the need for in-depth studies on the causes, transmission patterns, and preventive measures for SHAPU.

According to Dr. Sitaula, Seasonal hyperacute panuveitis is an aggressive eye disease believed to be caused by white moth. It usually begins with end of monsoon (August–September) and usually ending with peaking of winter in December–January. Redness is one eye with sudden decrease in vision are some of its symptom and if treatment is not received immediately, then permanent vision loss may occur.

According to Dr. Tejsu, General secretary, Nepal Ophthalmic Society founded in 1985 is the organization of Nepalese Ophthalmologist, and the society plays and important role in advocating eye disease and eye health policy . The society plans to organize a workshop in “SHAPU” in future.