Algeria Eliminates Trachoma as a Public Health Problem, WHO Confirms
The Story
The World Health Organization has validated Algeria as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the 10th country in WHO’s African Region and the 29th globally. Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide.
Key Facts
- WHO validated Algeria’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem based on a dossier submitted by Algeria’s Ministry of Health in December 2025.
- Globally, trachoma remains endemic in 30 countries and is responsible for blindness or visual impairment in about 1.9 million people, with 97 million at risk.
- The disease spreads through contact with infected eye discharge via hands, clothing, or flies; repeated infections can lead to trichiasis and blindness.
- Algeria’s fight against trachoma dates to the early 20th century, including the establishment of the Pasteur Institute of Algeria in 1909 and a national public healthcare system free of charge in 1974.
- Algeria implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, water/sanitation) and a three-year acceleration strategy from 2013–2015 focused on 12 southern wilayas: Adrar, Laghouat, Biskra, Béchar, Tamanrasset, Ouargla, El Bayadh, Illizi, Tindouf, El Oued, Naama, and Ghardaïa.
- WHO-compliant surveys in 2022 confirmed elimination thresholds for active trachoma in all areas and for trichiasis (TT) in all but three areas, which were subsequently addressed with door-to-door screening and management.
- Algeria has a well-functioning school health system, health information system, broad access to water and sanitation, and extensive eye care coverage for post-validation surveillance.
- WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Mohamed Janabi, and Algeria’s Minister of Health Professor Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene made statements on the achievement.
- Algeria becomes the 62nd country globally and 23rd in the WHO African Region to have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General
- Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa
- Professor Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, Minister of Health of Algeria
- Prof Mohamed Aouchiche, physician who led work after independence
Sources: World Health Organization
