Tunisia Achieves Historic Trachoma Elimination: WHO Validates Major Public Health Milestone

The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally recognized Tunisia as the first country in North Africa—and the 31st globally—to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. This historic milestone, announced on May 14, 2026, caps decades of relentless public health efforts to eradicate a disease that once affected at least half the population, particularly in rural southern regions. The achievement underscores how sustained political will, integrated primary care, and community engagement can overcome neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) even in resource-limited settings.

Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, spreads through close personal contact, contaminated surfaces, and flies carrying infectious eye and nose discharge. Repeated infections lead to eyelid scarring, inward-turning lashes (trichiasis), and irreversible blindness if untreated. The disease disproportionately burdens impoverished communities with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene—a cycle Tunisia broke through systematic intervention.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the elimination “a major milestone in Tunisia’s public health journey.” In a statement, he emphasized that the success demonstrates “what long-term political commitment, strong primary health care, and teamwork can do.” Dr. Ghebreyesus noted that trachoma, once a leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, had been “overcome” through Tunisia’s example.

Tunisia’s strategy followed the WHO-recommended SAFE framework: Surgery for advanced trichiasis cases, Antibiotics (primarily azithromycin) to clear active infections, Facial cleanliness programs to reduce transmission, and Environmental improvements, including expanded water and sanitation infrastructure. The country also integrated eye care into primary health services, school health programs, and community hygiene campaigns. Nationwide screening and treatment campaigns ensured no district was left behind.

Dr. Mustapha Ferjani, Tunisia’s Minister of Health, credited the achievement to “decades of coordinated national efforts” involving healthcare professionals, local communities, and international partners. “This milestone is the result of generations of dedication,” he said, adding that Tunisia remains committed to sustaining gains through robust surveillance and ongoing case management. A post-elimination monitoring system is now in place to detect any resurgence early.

WHO’s validation follows strict criteria: a prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) below 0.2% in adults aged 15 and older, and trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) under 5% in children aged 1–9 in all formerly endemic districts. Tunisia’s progress aligns with global targets set in the WHO Road Map for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021–2030, which aims to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem worldwide by 2030.

Tunisia joins 30 other countries validated by WHO for trachoma elimination, including Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Mexico, and Morocco. It is the 14th country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate at least one NTD. The achievement reflects broader trends: since 1996, when WHO launched the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET2020) initiative, global trachoma prevalence has plummeted from 416 million cases to fewer than 100 million. However, challenges remain in high-burden regions, where conflict, poverty, and weak health systems hinder progress.

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, praised Tunisia’s model as “a strong demonstration of how science, evidence-based programming, and coordinated support can overcome NTDs.” She highlighted the country’s integration of trachoma control into broader social development, including poverty alleviation and gender equity programs. “This is what is possible when a country remains focused on addressing preventable causes of blindness,” she said.

Dr. Ahmed Zouiten, Acting WHO Representative in Tunisia, emphasized that the elimination “stands as a testament to the impact of sustained collaboration” between the Ministry of Health and WHO. He noted that Tunisia’s success could serve as a blueprint for other endemic countries, particularly in the region where NTDs persist. “Neglected tropical diseases are not just a health issue,” he said. “They are a development issue—one that requires cross-sectoral solutions.”

Trachoma’s elimination in Tunisia also underscores the interconnectedness of health and equity. The disease thrives in settings with poor water access, crowded housing, and limited education—factors that Tunisia addressed through targeted infrastructure investments and community health education. By improving sanitation and hygiene, the country not only reduced trachoma but also advanced broader health outcomes, including reduced diarrheal diseases and improved child nutrition.

Looking ahead, Tunisia’s surveillance system will monitor for any resurgence, ensuring sustained elimination. The country’s experience also provides critical lessons for the global NTD community, particularly as WHO accelerates efforts to meet the 2030 targets. With trachoma now controlled in Tunisia, the focus shifts to other NTDs, including leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths, which continue to affect millions in the region.

For public health experts, Tunisia’s achievement is a reminder that NTDs—often overshadowed by more visible diseases—can be defeated with persistence. As Dr. Ghebreyesus noted, the fight against trachoma “shows what is possible when a country remains focused.” With the world’s attention now on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, Tunisia’s success offers a tangible example of how health equity can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment.