Algeria eliminates trachoma, marking milestone in infectious blindness control
WHO validation highlights long-term disease control success, with implications for global health systems, workforce resilience, and risk reduction in endemic regions
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Algeria’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, making it the 10th country in Africa and 29th globally to reach the milestone.
The achievement marks a significant step in tackling one of the world’s leading infectious causes of blindness, with broader implications for public health resilience, workforce productivity, and healthcare burden in historically endemic regions.
Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, remains endemic in around 30 countries and continues to affect vulnerable populations, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare services.
Globally, an estimated 1.9 million people live with visual impairment or blindness linked to the disease.
For health systems and insurers, the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem reduces long-term costs associated with preventable blindness, including surgical interventions, chronic care, and productivity losses.
Algeria’s success follows decades of coordinated public health intervention, including implementation of the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy – combining surgery, antibiotic distribution, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements such as access to water and sanitation.
Targeted efforts from 2013–15 focused on high-risk southern regions, supported by national surveillance and follow-up screening programmes.
WHO-compliant surveys conducted in 2022 confirmed that elimination thresholds for active trachoma had been met nationwide, with additional door-to-door interventions ensuring the final clearance of advanced cases.
Officials said the milestone reflected sustained investment in public healthcare infrastructure, including a national system providing free access to care, alongside strong disease surveillance, school health programmes, and widespread availability of specialised eye care services.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commented: “This milestone proves that with sustained political will and on-the-ground leadership, we can eliminate neglected tropical diseases.”
Algeria becomes the 62nd country globally to eliminate at least one neglected tropical disease, underscoring progress under global targets set for 2030.
However, trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases continue to disproportionately affect lower-income regions, highlighting ongoing gaps in healthcare access and infrastructure.
Back in March 2026, the ECDC and Africa CDC formalised a collaboration to boost disease surveillance, preparedness, and health security across Europe and Africa.