Libya Eliminates Trachoma: WHO Declares Victory Against Preventable Blindness | Eastern Mediterranean Region Success

Libya Eliminates Trachoma: A Landmark Victory Against a Preventable Blindness

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Libya, marking a significant achievement for the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This milestone, announced on February 18, 2026, represents a hard-won victory in the fight against neglected tropical diseases and offers a powerful demonstration of how sustained public health efforts can protect future generations from preventable blindness. The success comes despite ongoing challenges within the country, highlighting the dedication of Libyan health officials and the effectiveness of targeted interventions.

A Century-Old Battle

Trachoma, a bacterial infection of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, has been documented in Libya for over a century. Surveys conducted throughout the 20th century revealed high rates of active trachoma, particularly in southern regions of the country. The infection spreads through close personal contact and is often associated with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Repeated infections can cause scarring of the inner eyelid, leading to a painful condition called trichiasis, where eyelashes grow inward and rub against the cornea, ultimately causing blindness. CIDRAP reports that Libya is now the 28th country globally to eliminate the disease.

From Control to Elimination: A Multi-Phased Approach

Early efforts to control trachoma in Libya began in the 1970s and 1980s, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health. These initial steps focused on managing infectious eye diseases and strengthening the overall health system. However, it wasn’t until 2017 that trachoma elimination became a national priority, integrated into the National Prevention of Blindness Programme. With technical and operational support from organizations like the WHO, Sightsavers and the International Trachoma Initiative, a series of surveys were conducted in 2022 across six southern districts where trachoma was suspected to persist.

These surveys revealed that active trachoma and trichiasis rates were below the WHO’s elimination thresholds in most areas. A targeted trichiasis surgery campaign was then implemented in Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat, the only district where rates exceeded the threshold. A follow-up survey in 2025 confirmed that trichiasis prevalence had fallen below acceptable levels, leading to the WHO’s validation.

Progress Amidst Adversity

Libya’s achievement is particularly noteworthy given the country’s recent history of political instability, strained health services, and humanitarian crises. These challenges have placed significant pressure on basic services, including access to water, sanitation, and hygiene – all critical factors in controlling trachoma transmission. Despite these obstacles, the national trachoma elimination programme successfully integrated surveillance, expanded access to surgical care, and built capacity among eye health workers.

“Even through difficult years, we maintained our focus on improving eye health services and ensuring no one was left behind,” stated Dr. Mohamed Al-Ghoj, Acting Minister of Health, in a WHO news release. This success underscores the commitment of Libyan health workers and communities to overcoming significant hurdles.

Regional Impact and Global Efforts

With this validation, Libya joins seven other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to have eliminated trachoma. Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasized that this result reflects strong regional coordination and Libya’s perseverance. The WHO launched the Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020) in 1996, bringing together governments, NGOs, and academic institutions to accelerate elimination efforts worldwide. WHO Japan highlights the collaborative nature of this global initiative.

What Does Elimination Mean?

Elimination as a public health problem doesn’t necessarily mean that trachoma is completely eradicated from Libya. It signifies that the disease is no longer a major public health concern, with prevalence rates below a defined threshold. Continued surveillance and vigilance are crucial to prevent re-emergence. The WHO defines elimination thresholds based on the prevalence of active trachoma in children and the rate of trichiasis requiring surgical intervention.

Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Wider Context

Trachoma is one of 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that affect over one billion people globally, primarily in impoverished communities in tropical areas. These diseases often receive less attention and funding than other global health priorities, despite their devastating health, social, and economic consequences. The WHO’s roadmap for NTDs 2021–2030 sets ambitious targets for control, elimination, and eradication of these conditions. Libya’s success in eliminating trachoma contributes to this broader global effort, becoming the 59th country worldwide and the 10th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate at least one NTD.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Gains

The WHO Country Office in Libya will continue to provide technical and operational support to ensure the sustainability of trachoma elimination efforts. This includes strengthening surveillance systems, maintaining access to surgical care for trichiasis, and promoting water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Libya, emphasized that this achievement is “a collective public health triumph achieved through science, national mobilization and international solidarity.” Ongoing monitoring and a proactive approach will be essential to safeguard the progress made and prevent the re-establishment of trachoma as a public health problem in Libya.