WHO Validates El Salvador Elimination of Trachoma as Public Health Problem

The World Health Organization has validated El Salvador as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness. Assessments between 2023 and 2026 found no evidence of active transmission in prioritized communities.

No signs of the disease were detected in children, and no advanced cases capable of causing blindness were found in adults.

The validation followed a multi-year review to confirm the absence of trachoma as a public health problem and to document health system capacity for future detection and response. The country established trained personnel, integrated surveillance, and treatment capacity for trichiasis cases within the national health system.

"I congratulate El Salvador on this remarkable achievement. It is a testament to the power of political commitment, strategic investment, and community engagement," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

Minister of Health, Francisco Alabi, said the achievement resulted from sustained national efforts supported by the Pan American Health Organization and the Embassy of Canada. The country reached the milestone in three years. Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization, said the validation reflects the country's commitment to reaching populations in the most vulnerable conditions and generating evidence that trachoma is not endemic.

Trachoma remains a public health problem in rural areas of Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Peru. Regional assessments continue in several other countries where the disease has been suspected.