WHO Recognizes Libya for Eliminating Trachoma as a Public Health Problem — Full News Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated that Libya has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem — a major milestone for the country and a public health triumph in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. (World Health Organization)
In a news release on 18 February 2026, WHO confirmed that Libya has successfully achieved disease reduction targets for trachoma — an infectious eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and a leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide. The validation means that infection and its complications are now below the thresholds defined by WHO for “elimination as a public health problem,” reflecting sustained progress in reducing transmission and improving eye health. (World Health Organization)
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, described the achievement as a “landmark victory for public health” that protects future generations from avoidable blindness and underscores that neglected tropical diseases can be overcome even under challenging conditions. (World Health Organization)
With this validation, Libya becomes the 28th country globally and the 8th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. Moreover, Libya now joins the 59th country worldwide and the 10th in the Eastern Mediterranean to have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, showing broader progress in tackling disease burdens in the region. (World Health Organization)
The achievement reflects years of work by Libya’s Ministry of Health alongside WHO and technical partners — including health surveys, surgical campaigns to treat trichiasis (a painful eyelid condition associated with trachoma), expanded surveillance, and integration of trachoma activities into national eye health services. These efforts were carried out despite years of political instability and challenges in health service delivery. (World Health Organization)
In remarks shared by the Acting Minister of Health, national health workers and communities were credited with perseverance and dedication throughout the elimination programme, ensuring that progress reached even the most affected districts. (World Health Organization)
Trachoma remains endemic in some parts of the world where access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation is limited. WHO continues to work globally and regionally with governments and partners to support elimination and control of neglected tropical diseases under the 2021–2030 road map for neglected tropical diseases. (World Health Organization)