Tunisia validated by WHO for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem
The Story
The World Health Organization has validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, a milestone achieved after decades of sustained national effort. Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, was endemic in Tunisia in the early to mid-20th century and affected at least half the population, especially in southern regions. Tunisia adopted the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy—Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement—and ran nationwide screening and treatment campaigns. The country integrated eye care into primary care and school health programmes and worked with communities on hygiene promotion. The long campaign was led by the Ministry of Health with support from WHO. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy congratulated Tunisia on the achievement. A post-validation surveillance system is now in place to detect any return of the disease. Tunisia becomes the 14th country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and the 31st country worldwide to be validated as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.
Key Facts
- WHO validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.
- Trachoma was endemic in Tunisia in the early to mid-20th century, affecting at least half the population.
- Tunisia implemented the SAFE strategy: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, Environmental improvement.
- Tunisia integrated eye care into primary care and school health programmes.
- The elimination campaign was led by the Ministry of Health, supported by WHO.
- WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Regional Director Dr Hanan Balkhy congratulated Tunisia.
- A robust post-validation surveillance system is in place to detect any return of disease.
- Tunisia is the 14th country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region and the 31st globally to eliminate trachoma.
- Other validated countries include Algeria, Australia, China, India, and many others.
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 Hanan Balkhy – WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean
- Dr Mustapha Ferjani – Minister of Health of Tunisia
- Dr Ahmed Zouiten – Acting WHO Representative in Tunisia
Sources: World Health Organization
