Egypt has officially eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, according to an announcement from the World Health Organization (WHO). This significant achievement positions Egypt as the seventh country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to reach this milestone, contributing to a global total of 27 countries that have successfully eradicated the disease.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, commended Egypt for this accomplishment, stating, “I congratulate Egypt for reaching this milestone and liberating its people from trachoma.” He highlighted the importance of continuous national leadership, robust surveillance, and community engagement in combating diseases that have plagued humanity for centuries.
Despite this progress, trachoma continues to affect 30 countries globally, causing blindness or visual impairment in approximately 1.9 million people. The condition, which is challenging to reverse, remains a risk for about 103 million people living in endemic areas as of April 2025.
Historical Context and Public Health Efforts
Trachoma has been documented in Egypt for over 3,000 years. Public health initiatives to tackle the disease began in the early 20th century, spearheaded by pioneering ophthalmologist Sir Arthur Ferguson MacCallan, who established the nation’s first mobile and permanent eye hospitals. By the 1980s, however, the disease still led to blindness in many adults and affected over half of all children in some communities along the Nile Delta.
Since 2002, Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population, in collaboration with WHO and various stakeholders, has implemented the SAFE strategy endorsed by WHO. This strategy focuses on Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics to eliminate the causative organism, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement.
Between 2015 and 2025, Egypt conducted extensive mapping and surveillance, revealing a consistent decrease in active trachoma cases among children aged 1–9 years. Currently, the prevalence of active trachoma and related blinding complications in adults has fallen below the elimination thresholds set by WHO.
In 2024, Egypt integrated trachoma surveillance into its national electronic disease reporting system. This enhancement aims to ensure a swift response to any future cases.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Implications
Professor Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, attributed the success to Egypt’s commitment to equitable healthcare and initiatives like Haya Karima, which have improved access to clean water, sanitation, and primary care in rural areas. He remarked, “This achievement is a collective triumph for Egypt’s health workers, communities, and partners who collaborated to eradicate this ancient disease.”
Egypt’s elimination of trachoma marks the second neglected tropical disease (NTD) eradicated in the country, following the successful validation of lymphatic filariasis elimination in 2018. Across the globe, 58 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, with nine of them located in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.
Dr. Nima Abid, WHO Representative to Egypt, emphasized that this milestone showcases Egypt’s strong record in eliminating communicable diseases, including polio and malaria. He noted, “This demonstrates what can be achieved when political commitment, strong partnerships, and sustained public health efforts come together toward a shared vision.”
The successful elimination of trachoma in Egypt was facilitated by robust national leadership, coordinated actions, and widespread collaboration across various sectors. WHO worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Population to provide essential technical guidance, monitoring, and validation support throughout the elimination process.
Significant contributions also came from numerous partners, including the Haya Karima Foundation, the Eastern Mediterranean Region Trachoma Alliance, and international organizations focused on public health and community ophthalmology.
Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, praised Egypt’s accomplishment, stating, “Together, we have proven that with collaboration and persistence, elimination is achievable.” She reinforced the idea that Egypt’s success serves as an inspiring example for other nations in the region and beyond.
Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, spreads through contact with infected eye discharges. Repeated infections can lead to severe conditions like trachomatous trichiasis, ultimately resulting in blindness. Globally, the disease continues to afflict vulnerable communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation.
In 1998, WHO launched the Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020), backed by a network of governments, NGOs, and academic institutions. WHO remains committed to supporting endemic countries in their efforts to eliminate trachoma as a public health issue worldwide.
