Algeria Achieves Milestone by Eliminating Trachoma as a Public Health Problem, WHO Announces

Algeria Eliminates Trachoma, Marking a Public Health Triumph

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized Algeria for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, a significant achievement that positions the country as the 10th in the African region and the 29th globally to reach this milestone WHO News. Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Spread through contact with infected eye discharge via hands, clothing, or flies, repeated infections can lead to scarring of the eyelid and a painful condition known as trachomatous trichiasis, which can result in visual impairment or blindness. Globally, trachoma remains endemic in 30 countries, affecting approximately 97 million people at risk of blindness and causing visual impairment in about 1.9 million individuals.

Algeria’s success in combating this neglected tropical disease is a testament to over a century of public health efforts. The fight against trachoma in the country began in the early 20th century with the establishment of the Pasteur Institute of Algeria in 1909. Following independence, Algerian physicians, led by Prof Mohamed Aouchiche, spearheaded these initiatives, which were further bolstered by the creation of a national public healthcare system in 1974 that provided free services to patients WHO News.

For decades, Algeria implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, which stands for Surgery for trachomatous trichiasis, Antibiotics to treat infection, Facial cleanliness through public awareness campaigns, and Environmental improvements such as better access to water and sanitation. To accelerate elimination, Algeria launched a focused three-year strategy from 2013 to 2015 and established a National Expert Committee. Efforts were concentrated in 12 southern provinces, or wilayas, including Adrar, Laghouat, Biskra, Béchar, Tamanrasset, Ouargla, El Bayadh, Illizi, Tindouf, El Oued, Naama, and Ghardaïa, where trachoma remained a public health concern.

Surveys conducted in 2022, compliant with WHO standards, confirmed that the elimination threshold for active trachoma was achieved across all targeted areas. While the threshold for trachomatous trichiasis was met in most regions, three areas required additional door-to-door screening and case management to ensure full elimination, which was subsequently achieved. By December 2025, Algeria’s Ministry of Health had solidified the groundwork for this historic validation WHO News.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Algeria’s accomplishment, calling it a “historic triumph” that reflects a century-long commitment to public health. He emphasized that the milestone demonstrates the impact of sustained political will and dedicated health professionals in eliminating neglected tropical diseases and building a healthier future for all WHO News.

This achievement underscores the importance of long-term, coordinated public health strategies in addressing preventable diseases. Algeria’s elimination of trachoma not only improves the quality of life for millions but also serves as a model for other countries still battling the disease. It aligns with broader global health goals, such as those outlined in WHO’s Results Report for 2025, which highlights measurable health improvements worldwide despite ongoing challenges WHO News.

Why this is uncovered

Despite its significance as a public health milestone, Algeria’s elimination of trachoma has been largely absent from mainstream media coverage, likely due to the prioritization of more immediate or sensational global crises over incremental health achievements. The story, sourced directly from WHO announcements, holds clear public interest as it showcases a replicable model for tackling neglected tropical diseases, yet it may be overlooked because it lacks the urgency or political controversy that often drives news cycles. This gap highlights a broader tendency to underreport positive developments in global health, especially in regions outside the primary focus of Western media.