Libya Achieves Milestone in Trachoma Elimination as a Public Health Issue

The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally recognized Libya’s successful elimination of trachoma as a public health issue. This milestone is a significant achievement for public health within WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region. The successful eradication of trachoma protects future generations from preventable blindness and serves as a testament to the resilience of countries in combating neglected tropical diseases despite ongoing challenges.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director-General, highlighted that this achievement reflects Libya’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its population. He emphasized that it reinforces a belief in the global potential for progress against neglected tropical diseases everywhere. According to him, the elimination of trachoma is not only a remarkable accomplishment for Libya but also an inspiring example for other communities across the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

With this validation, Libya becomes the 28th nation worldwide, and the 8th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, to eradicate trachoma. This accomplishment illustrates how coordinated technical support and evidence-based health programming can effectively combat neglected tropical diseases, even amid complex humanitarian challenges and migration issues.

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, the WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, stated that Libya is now part of a growing list of countries in the region that have eliminated trachoma. This outcome reflects strong regional cooperation and Libya’s determination in overcoming significant obstacles.

Historically, trachoma has been recorded in Libya for over a century. Surveys throughout the 20th century revealed high prevalence rates of active trachoma in various communities, particularly in the southern regions. Following initial efforts by the Ministry of Health to manage infectious eye diseases during the 1970s and 1980s, health system improvements led to significant declines in trachoma transmission.

In 2017, the Ministry of Health made trachoma elimination a priority within its National Prevention of Blindness Programme. Following this, with assistance from WHO, Sightsavers, International Trachoma Initiative, and Tropical Data, new surveys were conducted in 2022 in six southern districts suspected to still harbor the disease. The findings indicated that active trachoma and trichiasis (a complication related to trachoma) were below WHO’s elimination thresholds in most districts. However, in Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat, where trichiasis prevalence remained above acceptable levels, a surgical intervention campaign was implemented. A follow-up survey in 2025 confirmed that trichiasis prevalence had subsequently declined beneath WHO’s threshold.

Libya's achievement is particularly impressive given the years of political turmoil and humanitarian challenges that have hindered health services. This instability has led to population displacement and heightened demand for essential services like water, sanitation, and healthcare. Despite these adversities, Libya’s national trachoma elimination program effectively integrated disease surveillance, expanded surgical care access, enhanced the capacity of eye health workers, and collaborated with both national and international partners.

Dr. Mohamed Al-Ghoj, Libya's Acting Minister of Health, expressed pride in the nation’s success, attributing it to the dedication of healthcare workers and community efforts. He noted that during difficult times, the focus remained on enhancing eye health services, ensuring that no one was left behind. He credited the professionalism and commitment of doctors, nurses, and health workers who reached out to every district to guarantee a future free from preventable blindness.

Over the years, the WHO Country Office in Libya has provided substantial technical and operational support aimed at preventing, detecting, and managing diseases, thereby striving to attain the best possible health outcomes for Libyans. Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO's Representative in Libya, remarked that reaching the milestone of trachoma elimination underscores the collective success achieved when national health teams and WHO work collaboratively.

Trachoma is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, transmitted through contact with infected eye discharge via hands, clothing, or flies. Persistent infections can result in scarring of the eyelid, leading to trichiasis, a painful condition that can ultimately cause blindness.

Globally, trachoma remains endemic in many vulnerable populations that lack access to adequate water and sanitation facilities. The WHO initiated the Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020) in 1996, aiming to establish a network of support among governments, NGOs, and academic institutions. The WHO continues to assist countries affected by trachoma in their efforts to enhance the elimination of this disease as a public health problem.

Neglected tropical diseases encompass a broad category of 21 conditions that result in critical health, social, and economic repercussions, affecting over one billion individuals globally, particularly among impoverished communities in tropical regions. The WHO set public health targets for managing, eliminating, and eradicating these diseases in its roadmap for neglected tropical diseases from 2021 to 2030. In 2025, nine countries were either validated, verified, or certified by the WHO for meeting these targets. With Libya’s successful eradication of trachoma, it has now become the 59th country worldwide, and the 10th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, to eliminate at least one neglected tropical disease.