WHO Validates Tunisia as 31st Country to Eliminate Trachoma as Public Health Problem

The World Health Organization has validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. This follows decades of sustained national efforts that reduced a disease once endemic in the country. Trachoma affected at least half the population in Tunisia's southern regions during the early to mid-20th century.

The disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces and flies carrying eye and nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to eyelid scarring, inward-turning eyelashes and blindness if left untreated.

Tunisia adopted and scaled up the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, which includes surgery for advanced cases, antibiotics to clear infection, facial cleanliness to reduce spread and environmental improvements such as better access to water and sanitation.

The country also conducted nationwide screening and treatment campaigns, integrated eye care into primary health care and school health programs, and worked with communities to promote hygiene. A robust post-validation surveillance system has been established to detect any potential return of the disease.

The system includes provisions for ongoing case management and training of health professionals.

Tunisia joins 30 other countries that have been validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. These countries are Algeria, Australia, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.

Trachoma is the first neglected tropical disease to be eliminated in Tunisia.

Following this recognition, Tunisia becomes the 14th country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease. The achievement is part of broader global efforts to address neglected tropical diseases, which are associated with health, social and economic consequences primarily in impoverished communities.

Public health targets for these conditions are set in the road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030.

WHO continues to support endemic countries toward the global target of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem by 2030.