Libya Eliminates Trachoma as a Public Health Problem, WHO Confirms
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Libya has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant achievement in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This milestone protects future generations from preventable blindness and demonstrates the possibility of overcoming neglected tropical diseases even amidst ongoing challenges.
A Landmark Victory for Public Health
This validation makes Libya the 28th country globally and the 8th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate trachoma. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that this achievement reflects Libya’s commitment to the health of its people and reinforces the belief that progress against neglected tropical diseases is achievable worldwide. WHO News Release
Decades of Effort and Recent Successes
Trachoma has been documented in Libya for over a century, with particularly high rates of infection in the southern regions during the 20th century. Early control efforts were initiated by the Ministry of Health in the 1970s and 1980s, followed by strengthening of the health system. Surveys conducted in 2022 across six southern districts revealed that the prevalence of active trachoma and trichiasis—a painful condition caused by repeated trachoma infections that can lead to blindness—had fallen below WHO elimination thresholds. A surgical campaign was then launched in Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat to address remaining cases of trichiasis. A follow-up survey in 2025 confirmed that trichiasis prevalence had likewise fallen below the required threshold. Xinhua News
Overcoming Challenges
Libya’s success is particularly noteworthy given the years of political instability and humanitarian crises that have strained health services, caused population displacement, and increased pressure on essential resources like water and sanitation. Despite these obstacles, the national trachoma elimination program successfully integrated surveillance, expanded access to surgical care, and enhanced the capacity of eye health workers, collaborating with both national and international partners.
What is Trachoma?
Trachoma is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through contact with infected eye discharge via hands, clothing, or flies. Repeated infections can cause scarring of the inner eyelid, leading to trichiasis, where eyelashes grow inward and scratch the cornea, potentially causing blindness if left untreated. WHO
Global Efforts to Eliminate Trachoma
The WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020) in 1996, bringing together governments, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. The WHO continues to support endemic countries in accelerating progress towards global elimination. Libya’s achievement contributes to the broader goal of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem worldwide and makes it the 59th country globally and the 10th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate at least one neglected tropical disease. WHO
“This validation is a source of pride for Libya and a testament to the commitment of our health workers and communities,” said Dr Mohamed Al-Ghoj, Acting Minister of Health.