Libya Eliminates Trachoma: A Public Health Milestone | WHO News
Libya has been officially validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. This achievement represents a significant milestone for public health in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and safeguards future generations from a preventable cause of blindness.
A Historic Victory
The presence of trachoma in Libya has been documented for over a century. Studies conducted throughout the last century revealed a high prevalence of the active, inflammatory form of the disease, particularly in the southern regions. Early control efforts by the Ministry of Health in the 1970s and 1980s, coupled with subsequent strengthening of the health system, led to a substantial reduction in transmission.
In 2017, the Ministry of Health prioritized trachoma elimination as a national health priority within the National Prevention of Blindness programme. Supported by the WHO, Sightsavers, the International Trachoma Initiative, and Tropical Data, new studies were conducted in six southern districts in 2022 where the disease was suspected to persist. Results showed that the prevalence of both active trachoma and trichiasis – a scarring condition associated with trachoma – fell below WHO elimination thresholds. Exceptions were noted in the Wadi Al Hayaa and Ghat districts, where targeted surgical campaigns were subsequently organised. By 2025, these campaigns confirmed that trichiasis prevalence had also fallen below the WHO’s elimination threshold.
Progress Despite Adversity
Libya’s success is particularly noteworthy given the country’s prolonged period of political instability and humanitarian challenges. These difficulties have impacted health services, caused population displacement, and increased demand for basic necessities like water, sanitation, and hygiene. Despite these obstacles, the national trachoma elimination programme successfully incorporated disease surveillance, expanded access to surgical care, provided training for ophthalmology personnel, and fostered coordination between national and international entities.
Dr. Mohamed Al-Ghoj, the Acting Minister of Health, stated that this validation is a source of pride for Libya and highlights the commitment of its health personnel, and population. He emphasized that even during difficult times, the country remained determined to improve ophthalmological services and ensure no one was left behind, attributing the success to the professionalism and dedication of medical and nursing staff, as well as field workers.
For years, the WHO office in Libya has provided sustained technical and operational support for disease prevention, detection, and control, aiming to ensure the highest possible level of health and well-being in the country. Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, the WHO representative in Libya, noted that the elimination of trachoma demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between health ministries and the WHO, representing a collective public health achievement based on science, national mobilization, and international solidarity.
Understanding Trachoma and Elimination Efforts
Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through contact with infected eye secretions via hands, clothing, or flies. Repeated infections can cause scarring of the inner eyelid, leading to inward-turning eyelashes that rub against the eyeball – a condition known as trichiasis. Trichiasis causes pain and can lead to blindness.
Globally, trachoma remains endemic in vulnerable areas with limited access to water and sanitation. In 1996, the WHO launched the Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020, fostering a network of governments, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions. The WHO continues to support endemic countries in their efforts to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.
Neglected Tropical Diseases
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) encompass 21 diverse conditions with devastating health, social, and economic impacts. They affect one billion people, primarily impoverished populations in tropical regions.
Public health goals for controlling, eliminating, and eradicating NTDs are outlined in the 2021-2030 NTD Roadmap. In 2025 alone, the WHO validated, verified, or certified nine countries for achieving these goals. With the validation of trachoma elimination, Libya becomes the 59th country worldwide and the tenth in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate at least one NTD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trachoma?
Trachoma is a bacterial infection that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It is spread through contact with infected eye secretions.
How did Libya achieve trachoma elimination?
Libya achieved elimination through a national programme incorporating disease surveillance, surgical care, training for health personnel, and collaboration with international organizations like the WHO and Sightsavers.
What does this achievement mean for the future?
This achievement protects future generations in Libya from a preventable cause of blindness and serves as an encouraging example for other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and beyond.
What role does access to basic sanitation and hygiene play in preventing the re-emergence of trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases?