In a momentous official announcement, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that Libya has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. This milestone represents the culmination of decades of tireless medical surveillance and field interventions, positioning Libya as a leader among nations that have vanquished one of the most debilitating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This achievement is far more than a technical victory; it is a vital safeguard for future generations against preventable blindness and a powerful demonstration of national resilience in the face of complex political and humanitarian challenges. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, hailed the accomplishment as an inspiration for the Eastern Mediterranean Region and the global community, noting that Libya is now the 28th country worldwide and the 8th in its region to be validated for eliminating this ancient scourge.
The history of trachoma in Libya is long and arduous, with the disease having been endemic for over a century. Historical surveys from the 20th century revealed alarming prevalence rates, particularly in the arid southern regions where environmental conditions and limited infrastructure facilitated the spread of infection. While initial efforts by the Ministry of Health in the 1970s and 1980s succeeded in reducing the overall burden of infection, the decisive phase of elimination only gained full momentum in 2017. During this period, trachoma was integrated as a top priority within the “National Eye Health Program.” This strategic shift enabled a more targeted approach, bolstered by robust international partnerships with organizations such as Sightsavers and the International Trachoma Initiative, leading to comprehensive field surveys in 2022 across six high-risk southern districts.
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What makes this victory particularly remarkable is that it was achieved against a backdrop of prolonged political instability and severe humanitarian crises, which had placed immense strain on Libya’s health services and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, the National Trachoma Elimination Program persevered, establishing a rigorous surveillance network and expanding access to surgical care for trichiasis—the advanced stage of the disease where inward-turning eyelashes cause permanent corneal scarring. By 2025, follow-up surveys confirmed that prevalence rates had plummeted below the global elimination thresholds, even in challenging areas like Wadi al-Haya and Ghat. Acting Health Minister Mohamed Al-Ghouj remarked that this validation is a profound source of national pride, reflecting the unwavering commitment of health workers who served their communities under the most trying circumstances to ensure a future free from blindness.
Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Libya, lauded the seamless collaboration between national health teams and international partners, emphasizing that the elimination of trachoma—caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis—is a victory for both public health and social development. Since the disease thrives in environments with poor sanitation and limited water access, its eradication signals a significant improvement in the foundational living conditions of affected populations. Libya now stands as a model for how systematic, data-driven health strategies can overcome even the most entrenched diseases. Looking ahead, the Libyan government remains dedicated to maintaining this momentum, integrating the lessons learned into its broader 2021–2030 health strategy to tackle other neglected tropical diseases and ensure that high-quality healthcare is accessible to all citizens, including the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in every corner of the country.