In a groundbreaking achievement, Libya has been validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in the fight against neglected tropical diseases. This triumph is a testament to the country's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health of its citizens and a powerful reminder that progress against these diseases is possible everywhere.
Trachoma: A Historic Disease Defeated
Trachoma, a disease that has plagued Libya for over a century, has been brought to its knees. Surveys in the 20th century revealed high levels of active trachoma in communities across the country, particularly in the south. However, after early efforts by the Ministry of Health in the 1970s and 1980s, and subsequent health system strengthening, transmission rates plummeted dramatically. In 2017, the Ministry of Health prioritized trachoma elimination as part of the National Prevention of Blindness Programme, and with support from WHO, Sightsavers, the International Trachoma Initiative, and Tropical Data, new surveys in 2022 confirmed that active trachoma and trichiasis (a condition associated with trachoma) prevalences had fallen below WHO elimination thresholds, except for trichiasis in Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat, where a trichiasis surgery campaign subsequently took place.
Progress Despite Adversity
Libya's achievement is particularly notable given years of political instability and humanitarian challenges that strained health services, displaced populations, and increased demand for basic services, including water, sanitation, and hygiene. Despite these pressures, the national trachoma elimination programme successfully integrated surveillance, expanded access to surgical care, built capacity among eye health workers, and partnered with national and international stakeholders. This validation is a source of pride for Libya and a testament to the commitment of its health workers and communities.
Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Global Challenge
Trachoma is just one of the many neglected tropical diseases that affect one billion people globally. These diseases, which include conditions like lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiases, have devastating health, social, and economic consequences, primarily among impoverished communities in tropical areas. Public health targets for the control, elimination, and eradication of these conditions were set in the road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030. In 2025 alone, 9 countries were validated, verified, or certified by WHO for achieving these targets. Following the validation of Libya's elimination of trachoma, it becomes the 59th country globally and the 10th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease.
The Way Forward
This achievement is a powerful reminder that progress against neglected tropical diseases is possible everywhere. It is a testament to the power of evidence-based programming and coordinated technical support, even in the face of complex humanitarian and migration dynamics. As we move forward, it is crucial to continue supporting endemic countries to accelerate progress towards the global goal of eliminating trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases as public health problems worldwide. But here's where it gets controversial... What do you think are the key factors that contributed to Libya's success in eliminating trachoma? And this is the part most people miss... The success of Libya's trachoma elimination programme also highlights the importance of regional coordination and collaboration in tackling neglected tropical diseases. How can we build on this success and strengthen regional partnerships to accelerate progress towards global health goals?
