Mauritania Achieves Landmark Victory, Eliminates Trachoma

⁢ ⁣ Updated May 29, 2025

Mauritania has achieved a significant public health milestone, earning validation from the World Health organization (WHO) for eliminating trachoma ⁣as a public health problem. This achievement positions Mauritania as⁣ the seventh country in the WHO african Region to conquer the neglected tropical disease.

The validation certificate was presented to Abdallahi Sidi Mohamed Wedih,⁢ Mauritania’s Minister of Health, and Aïcha Vall ⁣Vergès, Ambassador to Switzerland, during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly.

The country’s fight against trachoma, a preventable ⁢blinding disease, spans decades.early mapping surveys in the 2000s, supported by organizations like the Organization for the Prevention of Blindness (OPC) and the Institute of Tropical Ophthalmology of Africa (IOTA),⁣ where crucial. These efforts led to integrating trachoma control into the Ministry of Health’s national Programme for the Fight against Blindness.

Mauritania’s success in eliminating trachoma hinged on implementing the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy. This comprehensive approach included surgery to correct the advanced,blinding stage of the disease,mass drug governance of azithromycin (donated by pfizer ⁤through the International Trachoma Initiative),public⁤ awareness campaigns promoting face washing and hygiene,and improvements to water and sanitation infrastructure. This multifaceted approach proved key to tackling the spread of trachoma.

⁤ “I congratulate the government and the people of Mauritania for this achievement,” said Dr. Tedros adhanom ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “this is another example of the incredible progress we have made against neglected⁣ tropical diseases and gives⁢ hope to many other nations still fighting⁤ against trachoma that they too can eliminate this disease.”
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Dr. Charlotte Faty Ndiaye, WHO Representative in Mauritania, emphasized the importance⁤ of continued vigilance to sustain this achievement.She credited the government’s strong leadership, the dedication of health workers, community involvement, and the ⁤WHO’s guidance for the success. The elimination ⁢of trachoma marks the second neglected tropical disease eradicated ‍in Mauritania, following dracunculiasis ⁢(Guinea-worm disease) in 2009.

Globally, Mauritania joins 21 other countries validated by ⁣the WHO for eliminating trachoma as ‍a public health concern. These nations include Benin, Cambodia, China, Ghana, India, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao ⁢People’s⁤ Democratic Republic, Malawi, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, saudi arabia, Gambia, Togo, vanuatu and Viet Nam. These countries ⁢are part of a larger group⁣ of 55 countries that have eliminated one or more neglected tropical diseases.

What’s next

The WHO is supporting Mauritania’s health authorities in closely monitoring previously affected communities to prevent any resurgence of trachoma, ensuring the long-term success of this public health achievement.