Libya has achieved a significant public health milestone, successfully eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today. This victory marks a turning point for the Eastern Mediterranean Region and offers a powerful example of how sustained effort and strategic interventions can overcome neglected tropical diseases, even amidst complex challenges.
The achievement, validated by the WHO, signifies that the prevalence of trachoma – a bacterial infection that can lead to preventable blindness – has fallen below the threshold requiring public health intervention. Libya is now the 28th country globally and the 8th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to reach this landmark, demonstrating the feasibility of trachoma elimination through evidence-based programming and coordinated support. This success is particularly notable given Libya’s recent history of political instability and humanitarian pressures.
A Century-Long Battle Concluded
Trachoma has been documented in Libya for over a century, with particularly high rates of infection reported in southern regions during the 20th century. Early control efforts were initiated by the Ministry of Health in the 1970s and 1980s, laying the groundwork for future progress. However, it was a renewed focus beginning in 2017, with the prioritization of trachoma elimination within the National Prevention of Blindness Programme, that truly accelerated the country’s progress.
Surveillance efforts, bolstered by support from the WHO, Sightsavers, the International Trachoma Initiative, and Tropical Data, revealed that trachoma prevalence in six southern districts had fallen below WHO elimination thresholds by 2022. A remaining challenge – trichiasis, a painful condition where inward-turning eyelashes scratch the cornea – was addressed through a targeted surgical campaign in the Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat region. A follow-up survey in 2025 confirmed that trichiasis prevalence had likewise fallen below the required level, solidifying Libya’s achievement. WHO Announcement
Overcoming Adversity Through Collaboration
Libya’s success is particularly remarkable considering the years of political instability and humanitarian challenges that have strained the nation’s health services, displaced populations, and increased demand for essential resources like water and sanitation. Despite these obstacles, the national trachoma elimination program successfully integrated surveillance, expanded access to surgical care, and built the capacity of eye health workers through partnerships with national and international stakeholders.
“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. “Even through difficult years, we maintained our focus on improving eye health services and ensuring no one was left behind. This success would not have been possible without the professionalism and dedication of our doctors, nurses and health workers in the field who reached all and every district to ensure a future free of preventable blindness.”
Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Libya, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Reaching trachoma elimination status in Libya is a testimony of what could be achieved when the Ministry of health teams and the WHO teams deliver as one. It is a collective public health triumph achieved through science, national mobilization and international solidarity.”
Understanding Trachoma and the Global Fight
Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and 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 condition known as trichiasis, which can ultimately result in blindness if left untreated. The disease disproportionately affects vulnerable communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation. WHO Details on Trachoma
The WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020) in 1996, fostering a network of governments, non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions dedicated to eradicating the disease. The organization continues to support endemic countries in accelerating progress towards the global goal of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Libya’s achievement contributes to a growing global movement, with 59 countries now having eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. Nine countries were validated, verified, or certified by the WHO for achieving targets in 2025 alone.
Neglected tropical diseases affect one billion people worldwide, primarily in impoverished communities in tropical areas, and carry significant health, social, and economic consequences. Public health targets for controlling, eliminating, and eradicating these conditions are outlined in the roadmap for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
The elimination of trachoma in Libya represents a significant step forward in global public health. Continued vigilance, sustained investment in preventative measures, and ongoing collaboration will be crucial to maintaining this progress and preventing re-emergence. What further steps will Libya capture to solidify these gains and contribute to the broader effort to combat neglected tropical diseases? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
