The World Health Organization (WHO) announced this week that Libya has eliminated the neglected tropical disease (NTD) and blinding disease, trachoma as a public health problem. Image/Sanjay RaoWHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said concerning this big achievement: “This milestone reflects Libya’s determination to safeguard the health of its people and reinforces our conviction that progress against neglected tropical diseases is possible everywhere. “Eliminating trachoma as a public health problem is an inspiring achievement for the Eastern Mediterranean Region and for communities across Libya.”Libya is the 28th country worldwide and the 8th in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate trachoma. Libya’s achievement is particularly notable given years of political instability and humanitarian challenges that strained health services, displaced populations and increased demand for basic services, including water, sanitation and hygiene. Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is spread through contact with infected eye discharge via hands, clothing, or flies.

Source: Libya Today February 19, 2026 13:23 UTC