The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Egypt has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the seventh country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to reach this milestone. Globally, Egypt’s achievement brings the total number of countries that have eliminated trachoma as a public health issue to 27. This landmark accomplishment reflects the country’s long-standing commitment to combating the disease through sustained national leadership, community engagement, and strong surveillance systems.
Despite Egypt’s success, trachoma remains a public health problem in 30 countries, causing blindness or visual impairment in around 1.9 million people. Approximately 103 million people live in trachoma-endemic areas and remain at risk, highlighting the continued global challenge of this preventable disease.
Trachoma has been present in Egypt for over 3,000 years, and public health efforts to control it date back to the early 20th century with the work of ophthalmologist Arthur Ferguson MacCallan, who established the country’s first eye hospitals. By the 1980s, the disease still blinded many adults and affected over half of children in some Nile Delta communities. Since 2002, Egypt has implemented the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy, which includes Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvements.
Between 2015 and 2025, extensive mapping and surveillance across all 27 Egyptian governorates showed steady reductions in active trachoma among children aged 1–9 years, with no significant burden of blinding complications in adults. In 2024, Egypt integrated trachoma surveillance into its national electronic disease reporting system to ensure rapid response to any future cases.
Egypt’s elimination of trachoma also reflects broader public health initiatives such as Haya Karima, which improved access to safe water, sanitation, and primary healthcare services in rural communities. This milestone follows Egypt’s earlier success in eliminating lymphatic filariasis in 2018, making it the second neglected tropical disease (NTD) eradicated in the country. Egypt has also achieved notable progress against polio, measles, rubella, and malaria, demonstrating the impact of political commitment and sustained public health efforts.
The elimination effort in Egypt was achieved through strong national leadership and multi-sector collaboration. WHO provided technical guidance and validation support, while partners including the Haya Karima Foundation, Eastern Mediterranean Region Trachoma Alliance, International Trachoma Initiative, Sightsavers, CBM, Magrabi Foundation, and others contributed both technically and financially.
Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, spreads through contact with infected eye discharges and can lead to painful, blinding conditions if untreated. It remains endemic in vulnerable communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation. The WHO continues to support endemic countries through initiatives like the Global Elimination of Trachoma Alliance to accelerate progress toward worldwide elimination.
Egypt’s achievement serves as an inspiring example for other countries in the region and globally, demonstrating that sustained political commitment, community engagement, and strong partnerships can successfully eradicate preventable diseases and improve public health outcomes.
