WHO declares elimination of trachoma in Libya as a public health problem

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday that Libya has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant public health achievement in the eastern Mediterranean region.



In a statement, the organization said that Libya has become the 28th worldwide and the eighth in the eastern Mediterranean region to achieve this milestone.



In 2022, surveys in six southern districts found the prevalence of active trachoma and trichiasis below the WHO elimination thresholds, except for trichiasis in Wadi Al Hayaa/Ghat, where a surgical campaign was launched to treat remaining cases. A further survey in 2025 confirmed that the prevalence of trichiasis had also fallen below the threshold.



The WHO said that Libya reached the milestone despite years of political instability and humanitarian challenges that affected health services, led to population displacement, and increased pressure on water and sanitation services.