A Century-Old Scourge Vanquished: Libya Triumphs Over Trachoma
In a groundbreaking announcement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Libya free from trachoma as a public health threat, marking a monumental victory for global health, particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This achievement not only safeguards future generations from preventable blindness but also serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of nations in combating neglected tropical diseases, even amidst formidable challenges.
But here's where it gets controversial... While this success is undeniable, it raises questions about the equitable distribution of resources and support for other countries still grappling with trachoma. Should the international community prioritize aiding nations with similar health challenges, or is it more effective to focus on sustaining progress in countries like Libya?
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, hailed this milestone as a reflection of Libya’s unwavering commitment to its people’s health. He emphasized, “This achievement reinforces our belief that progress against neglected tropical diseases is achievable everywhere, no matter the obstacles.” For the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Libya’s communities, eliminating trachoma is not just a health victory but a symbol of hope and determination.
With this validation, Libya joins an elite group of 28 countries globally—and 8 in its region—to eradicate trachoma. This success underscores the effectiveness of evidence-based strategies and coordinated technical support in tackling neglected tropical diseases, even in regions grappling with complex humanitarian and migration issues.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, praised Libya’s perseverance, stating, “This accomplishment is a testament to strong regional collaboration and Libya’s resilience during times of immense hardship.”
A Disease Documented for Over a Century Finally Defeated
Trachoma has plagued Libya for over 100 years, with 20th-century surveys revealing high rates of active (inflammatory) trachoma, especially in the southern regions. Early efforts by the Ministry of Health in the 1970s and 1980s laid the groundwork, but it was the subsequent strengthening of the health system that dramatically reduced transmission.
In 2017, the Ministry of Health prioritized trachoma elimination under the National Prevention of Blindness Programme. With support from WHO, Sightsavers, the International Trachoma Initiative, and Tropical Data, new surveys were conducted in 2022 across six southern districts. These surveys confirmed that active trachoma and trichiasis (a trachoma-related condition causing inward-turning eyelashes) were below WHO elimination thresholds, except in Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat, where a targeted trichiasis surgery campaign was launched. By 2025, follow-up surveys verified that trichiasis prevalence had fallen below the threshold, cementing Libya’s success.
Progress in the Face of Adversity
Libya’s triumph is all the more remarkable given the years of political instability and humanitarian crises that strained health services, displaced populations, and increased demand for basic necessities like water, sanitation, and hygiene. Despite these challenges, the national trachoma elimination program integrated surveillance, expanded surgical access, trained eye health workers, and fostered partnerships with national and international stakeholders.
Dr. Mohamed Al-Ghoj, Acting Minister of Health, expressed pride in this validation, crediting the dedication of health workers and communities. “Even during the toughest years, we remained focused on improving eye health and ensuring no one was left behind. This success is a tribute to the professionalism and tireless efforts of our doctors, nurses, and health workers, who reached every district to secure a future free from preventable blindness.”
The WHO Country Office in Libya played a pivotal role, providing extensive technical and operational support to prevent, detect, and control diseases, ensuring the highest attainable health standards. Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Libya, remarked, “Achieving trachoma elimination in Libya demonstrates what can be accomplished when the Ministry of Health and WHO teams work as one. It’s a collective triumph of science, national mobilization, and international solidarity.”
Understanding Trachoma and Global Elimination Efforts
Trachoma, 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 inner eyelid, causing trichiasis, a painful condition that can result in blindness. Globally, trachoma remains endemic in vulnerable communities with limited access to water and sanitation.
In 1996, WHO launched the Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020), uniting governments, NGOs, and academic institutions. WHO continues to support endemic countries in accelerating progress toward the global goal of eradicating trachoma as a public health problem.
Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Global Challenge
Neglected tropical diseases encompass 21 conditions with devastating health, social, and economic impacts, affecting one billion people worldwide, primarily in impoverished tropical communities. The 2021–2030 roadmap for neglected tropical diseases set ambitious targets for control, elimination, and eradication. In 2025 alone, 9 countries achieved these targets, with Libya becoming the 59th country globally—and 10th in its region—to eliminate at least one neglected tropical disease.
And this is the part most people miss... While Libya’s success is inspiring, it highlights the stark disparities in global health resources. How can we ensure that other countries receive the same level of support to combat neglected tropical diseases? Is it ethical to celebrate victories like Libya’s without addressing the systemic inequalities that leave millions vulnerable?
What are your thoughts? Do you believe the global community is doing enough to tackle neglected tropical diseases, or is more action needed? Share your opinions in the comments below!
