Libya eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

LIBYA—The World Health Organization has validated Libya’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, marking a transformative achievement for the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region.

This milestone protects future generations from preventable blindness and demonstrates that countries can overcome neglected tropical diseases despite facing significant challenges.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized that this accomplishment reflects Libya’s unwavering determination to safeguard its people’s health.

The achievement inspires communities throughout the Eastern Mediterranean Region and proves that progress against neglected tropical diseases remains possible everywhere.

Regional leadership in disease elimination

Libya now joins 27 other countries worldwide that have eliminated trachoma, becoming the eighth nation in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to reach this critical milestone.

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, highlighted that Libya’s success reflects robust regional coordination and the country’s remarkable perseverance during periods of immense difficulty.

The achievement shows how evidence-based programming and coordinated technical support can overcome neglected tropical diseases, even amid complex humanitarian and migration dynamics that challenge health systems.

Journey from endemic to elimination

Health authorities documented trachoma in Libya for over a century, with 20th-century surveys reporting high levels of active inflammatory trachoma across communities, particularly in southern regions.

The Ministry of Health launched early control efforts for infectious eye disease during the 1970s and 1980s, followed by comprehensive health system strengthening that dramatically reduced transmission rates.

In 2017, the Ministry of Health prioritized trachoma elimination within the National Prevention of Blindness Programme.

WHO, Sightsavers, the International Trachoma Initiative, and Tropical Data supported new surveys conducted in 2022 across six southern districts where trachoma was suspected to persist.

These surveys found active trachoma and trichiasis prevalences below WHO elimination thresholds, except in Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat, where authorities conducted a targeted trichiasis surgery campaign.

A 2025 follow-up survey confirmed that trichiasis prevalence had fallen below WHO’s elimination threshold.

Overcoming adversity

Libya’s achievement stands out given years of political instability and humanitarian challenges that strained health services, displaced populations, and increased demand for basic services, including water, sanitation, and hygiene.

Despite these pressures, the national trachoma elimination programme successfully integrated surveillance, expanded surgical care access, built capacity among eye health workers, and partnered with national and international stakeholders.

Dr. Mohamed Al-Ghoj, Acting Minister of Health, stated that this validation represents a source of pride for Libya and testifies to the commitment of health workers and communities who maintained focus on improving eye health services throughout difficult years.

Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Libya, called reaching trachoma elimination status a collective public health triumph achieved through science, national mobilization, and international solidarity.