The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Egypt has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the seventh country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and the 27th worldwide to achieve this milestone.
“I congratulate Egypt for reaching this milestone and liberating its people from trachoma,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This shows the power of national leadership, strong surveillance, and community engagement in ending an ancient disease.”
Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, remains a public health problem in 30 countries, affecting about 1.9 million people.
Egypt’s journey against trachoma dates back over 3,000 years. Since 2002, the Ministry of Health and Population, with WHO and partners, has implemented the SAFE strategy — Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement.
“Egypt’s success highlights our commitment to equitable healthcare and the transformative impact of initiatives like Haya Karima, which have expanded access to water, sanitation, and primary care in rural areas,” said Prof. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population.
WHO’s Dr Hanan Balkhy praised the achievement as “a testament to collaboration and persistence,” adding that it reflects years of dedication from Egypt’s health workers, communities, and partners.
Trachoma is the second neglected tropical disease Egypt has eliminated, following lymphatic filariasis in 2018.
