Libya Eliminates Trachoma: A Public Health Triumph

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Libya, marking a significant achievement for the country and the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region. This milestone represents a major step forward in preventing preventable blindness and demonstrates the possibility of overcoming neglected tropical diseases even amidst complex challenges.

A Landmark Victory for Public Health

Libya is now the 28th country globally and the 8th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate trachoma. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized that this achievement “reflects Libya’s determination to safeguard the health of its people and reinforces our conviction that progress against neglected tropical diseases is possible everywhere.” WHO News

Understanding Trachoma

Trachoma is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through contact with infected eye discharge via hands, clothing, or flies. Repeated infections can lead to scarring of the inner eyelid, causing eyelashes to turn inward and scratch the eyeball – a painful condition called trichiasis, which can ultimately lead to blindness. AllAfrica

Libya’s Journey to Elimination

Trachoma has been documented in Libya for over a century, with particularly high levels of infection reported in southern communities during the 20th century. Early control efforts were initiated by the Ministry of Health in the 1970s and 1980s, followed by health system strengthening. These efforts led to a dramatic reduction in trachoma transmission.

In 2017, the Ministry of Health prioritized trachoma elimination as part of its National Prevention of Blindness Programme. Supported by WHO, Sightsavers, the International Trachoma Initiative, and Tropical Data, new surveys were conducted in 2022 across six southern districts where trachoma was suspected to persist. These surveys revealed active trachoma and trichiasis prevalences below WHO elimination thresholds, with the exception of trichiasis in Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat. A subsequent surgical campaign addressed this remaining challenge.

A follow-up survey in 2025 confirmed that trichiasis prevalence had fallen below the WHO’s elimination threshold, solidifying Libya’s success. WHO News

Progress Despite Adversity

This achievement is particularly noteworthy given Libya’s recent history of political instability and humanitarian challenges, which have strained health services and increased demand for basic necessities like water and sanitation. Despite these pressures, the national trachoma elimination program successfully integrated surveillance, expanded access to surgical care, built capacity among eye health workers, and fostered partnerships with national and international stakeholders.

Dr. Mohamed Al-Ghoj, Acting Minister of Health, expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating it is “a testament to the commitment of our health workers and communities.” He emphasized that even during difficult times, the focus remained on improving eye health services and ensuring equitable access to care. WHO News

Global Efforts to Eliminate Trachoma

The WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020) in 1996, creating a network of governments, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. The WHO continues to support endemic countries in accelerating progress towards the global goal of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. WHO News

Libya’s validation brings the total number of countries that have eliminated trachoma to 59 globally and 10 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, demonstrating progress in tackling neglected tropical diseases. AllAfrica