WHO confirms elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Libya

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced today that Libya has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, a significant victory for public health in WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean region. This hard-won achievement protects future generations from preventable blindness and is a powerful reminder that countries can overcome neglected tropical diseases despite ongoing challenges.

“This milestone reflects Libya’s determination to protect the health of its people and reinforces our belief that progress in the fight against neglected tropical diseases is possible everywhere,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem is an inspiring achievement for the Eastern Mediterranean region and for communities across Libya.”

With this confirmation, Libya becomes the 28th country in the world and the 8th in the Eastern Mediterranean region that has eliminated trachoma. The achievement shows how evidence-based programming and coordinated technical support can overcome neglected tropical diseases, even amid complex humanitarian and migration dynamics.

“Libya joins a growing group of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region that have eliminated trachoma,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. “This result reflects Libya’s strong regional coordination and perseverance during a period of great challenge.”

Defeated historical disease

Trachoma has been documented in Libya for over a century, with surveys in the 20th century reporting high levels of active (inflammatory) trachoma in communities across the country, but particularly in the south. After early efforts by the Ministry of Health to control infectious eye diseases in the 1970s and 1980s, and subsequent strengthening of the health system, research has shown that transmission has fallen dramatically.

In 2017, the Ministry of Health prioritized the elimination of trachoma as part of the national work on eye health within the National Program for the Prevention of Blindness. With the support of WHO, Sightsavers, the International Trachoma Initiative and Tropical Data, new surveys were carried out in 2022 in six southern districts where trachoma was suspected to exist. These surveys revealed a prevalence of active trachoma and trichiasis (a condition associated with trachoma) below WHO elimination thresholds, except for trichiasis in Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat, where a trichiasis operation campaign was subsequently implemented. In 2025, further research confirmed that the prevalence of trichiasis had fallen below the WHO elimination threshold.

Progress despite adversity

Libya’s achievement is particularly significant given years of political instability and humanitarian challenges that have strained health services, displaced populations and increased demand for basic services, including water, sanitation and hygiene. Despite these pressures, the national trachoma elimination program has successfully integrated surveillance, expanded access to surgical care, built capacity among eye health professionals, and forged partnerships with national and international stakeholders.

“This certification 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 have maintained our focus on improving eye health services and ensuring that no one is left behind. This success would not have been possible without the professionalism and dedication of our doctors, nurses and field health workers who reached out to each and every district to ensure a future without preventable blindness.”

Over the years, the WHO Country Office in Libya has provided extensive technical and operational support for the prevention, detection and control of disease and ensuring the best possible health and well-being in the country. “Achieving trachoma elimination status in Libya is a testament to what could be achieved when Ministry of Health and WHO teams work as one. It is a collective public health triumph achieved through science, national mobilization and international solidarity,” said Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Libya.

About trachoma and attempts to eliminate it

Trachoma, caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatistransmitted by contact with infected eye discharge via hands, clothing or flies. Repeated infections can lead to scarring of the inner eyelid, turning the eyelashes inward to scratch the eyeball: a painful condition known as trichiasis that can lead to blindness.

Globally, the disease remains endemic in many vulnerable communities where access to water and sanitation is limited. In 1996, WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020), creating a network of governments, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions. WHO continues to support endemic countries to accelerate progress towards the global goal of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem worldwide.

Neglected tropical diseases

Neglected tropical diseases are a diverse group of 21 conditions associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. They affect one billion people worldwide and their burden is mostly spread among poor communities in tropical areas.

Public health targets for the control, elimination and eradication of these conditions are set in the Neglected Tropical Diseases Roadmap 2021 – 2030. In 2025 alone, WHO has validated, verified or certified 9 countries to achieve these targets. After confirming the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, Libya becomes the 59th country in the world and the 10th in the Eastern Mediterranean region to have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease.