Libya Eliminates Trachoma, Protecting Future Generations from Blindness

The achievement makes Libya the 28th country worldwide and the 8th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate trachoma — a leading infectious cause of preventable blindness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated Libya’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, marking a major public health milestone for the country and the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

The achievement makes Libya the 28th country worldwide and the 8th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate trachoma — a leading infectious cause of preventable blindness.

“This milestone reflects Libya’s determination to safeguard the health of its people and reinforces our conviction that progress against neglected tropical diseases is possible everywhere,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“Eliminating trachoma as a public health problem is an inspiring achievement for the Eastern Mediterranean Region and for communities across Libya.”

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A Century-Old Disease Defeated

Trachoma has affected communities in Libya for more than 100 years. Surveys in the 20th century showed widespread active infections, particularly in southern regions.

The disease, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, spreads through contact with infected eye discharge via hands, clothing or flies. Repeated infections can lead to scarring of the eyelid and trichiasis — a painful condition in which eyelashes turn inward and scratch the eye, potentially causing blindness.

Early government control efforts began in the 1970s and 1980s. Transmission declined significantly over time, but formal elimination efforts accelerated in 2017 when Libya’s Ministry of Health prioritised trachoma elimination under its National Prevention of Blindness Programme.

With technical support from WHO and partners including Sightsavers, the International Trachoma Initiative and Tropical Data, nationwide surveys were conducted in 2022 in six southern districts where transmission was suspected to persist.

The findings showed infection rates below WHO’s elimination thresholds in most areas. In Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat, where trichiasis prevalence remained slightly above target, a focused surgical campaign was launched. A follow-up survey in 2025 confirmed that prevalence had fallen below WHO’s required threshold, clearing the way for official validation.

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Progress Despite Political and Humanitarian Challenges

Libya’s success is particularly notable given years of political instability, humanitarian strain and population displacement, which have placed pressure on health services and water and sanitation infrastructure.

Despite these challenges, the national programme:

• Integrated trachoma surveillance into routine health services

• Expanded access to trichiasis surgery

• Strengthened eye health workforce capacity

• Coordinated closely with international partners

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

Acting Minister of Health Dr Mohamed Al-Ghoj described the validation as a source of national pride.

“Even through difficult years, we maintained our focus on improving eye health services and ensuring no one was left behind,” he said.

WHO Representative in Libya Dr Ahmed Zouiten added: “It is a collective public health triumph achieved through science, national mobilization and international solidarity.”

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Part of Global Effort Against Neglected Tropical Diseases

Trachoma is one of 21 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that disproportionately affect impoverished communities in tropical regions. Globally, around one billion people are affected by NTDs.

WHO launched the Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma (GET2020) in 1996 to coordinate global efforts. While the 2020 target was not fully achieved, progress has accelerated under the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021–2030.

In 2025 alone, nine countries were validated, verified or certified for eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease. With trachoma eliminated, Libya becomes the 59th country worldwide and the 10th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate at least one NTD.

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A Model for Other Countries

WHO says Libya’s achievement demonstrates that even countries facing political and humanitarian challenges can defeat long-standing diseases through sustained commitment, data-driven action and international cooperation.

As trachoma remains endemic in some vulnerable communities worldwide — particularly where access to water and sanitation is limited — Libya’s success offers a blueprint for elimination in similarly complex settings.