The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially announced that Libya has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare progress and a major achievement for the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the accomplishment as a historic victory that will protect future generations from preventable blindness. He stressed that Libya’s success demonstrates how sustained commitment, even amid political and humanitarian challenges, can lead to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases.
According to WHO, Libya becomes the 28th country worldwide and the eighth in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate trachoma as a public health concern. Regional Director Dr. Hanan Balkhy highlighted that the achievement reflects the strength of evidence-based health programs, coordinated technical support, and persistent national efforts despite complex migration patterns and healthcare pressures.
Trachoma, a bacterial infection that can cause irreversible blindness if untreated, has been documented in Libya for over a century, particularly in southern regions. Earlier surveys in the 20th century recorded high levels of active infection. Control measures introduced in the 1970s and 1980s significantly reduced transmission, while continued improvements in public health systems strengthened prevention and treatment efforts.
In 2017, Libya’s Ministry of Health elevated trachoma elimination as a national priority under its blindness prevention strategy. Supported by WHO and international partners, comprehensive surveys conducted in 2022 across six southern districts confirmed a substantial decline in infection rates. A follow-up survey in 2025 verified that trachoma prevalence had fallen below WHO’s elimination threshold.
