Algeria eliminates trachoma as a public health problem after decades of effort

The World Well being Group (WHO) has validated Algeria as having eradicated trachoma as a public well being drawback, making it the tenth nation in WHO’s African Area and the twenty ninth nation globally to realize this important milestone.

Affecting the attention, trachoma is the main infectious reason for blindness worldwide, Globally, the illness stays endemic in 30 nations and is liable for the blindness or visible impairment of about 1.9 million individuals. Based on newest figures, 97 million individuals reside in trachoma endemic areas and are susceptible to trachoma blindness. The illness is attributable to the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, which is unfold by contact with contaminated eye discharge by way of fingers, clothes, or flies. Repeated infections can result in scarring of the internal a part of the higher eyelid, turning eyelashes inward to scratch the eyeball: a painful situation referred to as trachomatous trichiasis that may result in visible impairment and blindness.

Algeria’s elimination of trachoma is a historic triumph that connects the previous, current, and way forward for public well being, and is rooted in a century-long dedication. This milestone proves that with sustained political will and on-the-ground management from dedicated well being professionals, we are able to eradicate uncared for tropical ailments and construct a more healthy, extra resilient future for all.”

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-Common

Algeria’s combat towards trachoma dates again to the early twentieth century with the institution of the Pasteur Institute of Algeria in 1909. After independence, Algerian physicians, led by Prof Mohamed Aouchiche, took cost of this work. Their efforts had been strengthened by the creation of a nationwide public healthcare system that started to offer providers freed from cost to sufferers in 1974.

For many years, Algeria applied the WHO-recommended SAFE technique to eradicate trachoma. These actions included provision of surgical procedure to deal with the late blinding stage of the illness (“trachomatous trichiasis”, TT), conducting mass administration of antibiotic therapy, finishing up public consciousness campaigns to advertise facial cleanliness and private hygiene in addition to enchancment in entry to water provide and sanitation.

To speed up trachoma elimination, Algeria applied a three-year technique in 2013–2015 and established a Nationwide Knowledgeable Committee. The main target was on eliminating trachoma in 12 southern wilayas (provinces), together with Adrar, Laghouat, Biskra, Béchar, Tamanrasset, Ouargla, El Bayadh, Illizi, Tindouf, El Oued, Naama, and Ghardaïa, the place the illness remained a public well being drawback.

WHO-compliant surveys performed in 2022 confirmed that the elimination threshold for lively trachoma was achieved in all areas and the TT threshold was achieved in all however three areas. In these three areas, full geographic protection with door-to-door screening and administration of TT circumstances was subsequently carried out to make sure TT elimination was attained.

In December 2025, the Ministry of Well being of Algeria compiled and submitted a file during which proof was offered that the nation meets the factors set by WHO for elimination of trachoma as a public well being drawback. The existence of a well-functioning college well being system, a well being info system, broad entry to water and sanitation, and intensive protection of specialised eye care all through the nation are notable strengths, as they supply assurance for the post-validation interval within the nation.

Trachoma devastates people and communities profoundly, with blindness or visible impairment inflicting painful financial and livelihood loss. The milestone by Algeria is a significant achievement that transforms the well being and well-being of youngsters, girls and full households and demonstrates that eliminating uncared for tropical ailments is feasible with constant and coordinated efforts.”

Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa

WHO recommends that surveillance continues even after validation of the elimination, with the goal of intently monitoring populations during which trachoma was beforehand endemic to make sure there is no such thing as a resurgence. WHO is at present supporting Algeria’s well being authorities on this endeavor.

“WHO’s validation marks the end result of sustained efforts, exemplary multisectoral coordination, and enduring dedication. It attests to our nation’s capability to fulfill essentially the most rigorous public well being requirements – requirements grounded in prevention, equitable entry to care, and the development of dwelling situations,” mentioned Professor Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, Minister of Well being. “This achievement represents a collective victory – the fruit of practically fifty years of nationwide mobilization – and underscores the Algerian State’s unwavering dedication to the well being of its inhabitants. This success was made doable by the mobilization of all stakeholders, the dedication of well being professionals, the help of key companions, and the technical help of the WHO.”