WHO confirms elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Libya – particularly notable given years of political instability and humanitarian challenges on health services
The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced last Wednesday (18 February) that Libya has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, which it considered a landmark victory for public health in WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Region. This hard-won achievement protects future generations from preventable blindness and provides a powerful reminder that countries can overcome neglected tropical diseases despite persisting challenges, WHO added. The achievement demonstrates how evidence-based programming and coordinated technical support can overcome neglected tropical diseases, even amongst complex humanitarian and migration dynamics, WHO added. “Libya joins a growing group of countries from the Eastern Mediterranean Region that have eliminated trachoma,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. In 2017, the Ministry of Health prioritized trachoma elimination as part of national eye health work within the National Prevention of Blindness Programme.
Source: Libya Today February 21, 2026 13:11 UTC
