The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated Algeria as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the 10th country in the African Region and the 29th globally to reach this milestone. Trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through contact with infected eye secretions or flies. Repeated infections can lead to severe complications, including irreversible blindness, and the disease still affects millions of people in endemic regions.
Algeria’s achievement reflects more than a century of sustained public health efforts that began with the establishment of the Pasteur Institute of Algeria in 1909 and continued after independence through national leadership in eye care and disease control. A key turning point came with the development of a free national public healthcare system in 1974, which improved access to treatment and prevention services across the country.
Over several decades, Algeria implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, which combines surgery for advanced cases, mass antibiotic distribution, facial cleanliness promotion, and improvements in water and sanitation. These measures were reinforced through targeted national strategies, including a focused elimination programme between 2013 and 2015 in high-risk southern regions, supported by a national expert committee and expanded screening and treatment efforts.
By 2022, WHO-supported surveys confirmed that active trachoma had been eliminated across all affected areas, with additional interventions ensuring treatment of remaining advanced cases. In 2025, Algeria submitted comprehensive evidence to WHO demonstrating that it met all criteria for elimination, supported by strong health systems, widespread access to eye care, and improved water and sanitation coverage.
WHO and health officials highlighted that trachoma has long caused preventable blindness and economic hardship, particularly in vulnerable communities, making its elimination a major public health victory. The success is attributed to long-term political commitment, coordinated national action, and international support, which together enabled sustained progress over decades.
Following validation, WHO has recommended continued surveillance to ensure the disease does not re-emerge, while supporting Algeria in maintaining its achievements. Health authorities described the milestone as the result of nearly fifty years of national mobilization and multisectoral collaboration, marking a significant step forward in the global effort to eliminate neglected tropical diseases.
