In a major health achievement, Tunisia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem

The Director of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, congratulated Tunisia on “this historic achievement in public health,” noting that the elimination of trachoma “demonstrates what can be achieved thanks to long-term political commitment, strong primary health care systems, and collective action.”

He added: “Tunisia has proven that it is possible to overcome even trachoma, which is the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide.”

According to the World Health Organization, trachoma is closely linked to limited access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and affects the most vulnerable and needy population groups the most. In the period extending from the early to mid-twentieth century, trachoma was endemic in Tunisia, infecting at least half of the population, especially in the southern regions of the country.

The fruit of long efforts

In turn, Tunisian Minister of Health, Mustafa Ferjani, praised his country’s health achievement, stressing that it reflects “the country’s firm commitment to public health, disease prevention, and equity in the provision of health care.”

Al-Ferjani said that this achievement represents the culmination of decades of coordinated national efforts, thanks to the dedication of successive generations of health sector workers and local communities, who he said have worked to expand access to health care services, strengthen preventive measures and improve eye health in various parts of the country.

The Tunisian Minister affirmed his country’s commitment to “preserving these gains and protecting future generations,” noting that this success was the result of a long campaign led by the Ministry of Health with the support of the World Health Organization and other partners, and was based on strong policies in the fields of public health and social development.

He explained that developing the health system – including expanding primary health care services and improving coverage of water and sanitation services – contributed significantly to reducing transmission of infection and reducing disease spread rates.

Key facts about rachoma

🔹Trachoma is an eye disease caused by infection with the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.

🔹Trachoma is a public health problem in 30 countries, and is responsible for blindness or visual impairment in about 1.9 million people.

🔹Blindness caused by trachoma is incurable.

🔹According to data from November 2025, 97 million people live in areas endemic for trachoma and are at risk of blindness due to it.

🔹The infection is spread by contact with people (through hands, clothing, bedding, or hard surfaces) and by flies touching secretions emanating from the eyes or nose of the infected person. When experiencing repeated bouts of infection over several years, the eyelashes may pull back into the eye. This causes pain and may lead to permanent damage to the cornea.

🔹In 2024, 87,349 people received surgical treatment at an advanced stage of the disease, and another 44.4 million people were treated with antibiotics. Global antibiotic coverage rates will reach 39% in 2024.