WHO Validates Tunisia’s Elimination of Trachoma as Public Health Problem
The Story
The World Health Organization has validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. The validation follows decades of sustained national efforts, including the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy. Trachoma, which was endemic in Tunisia affecting at least half the population in the early to mid-20th century, is the leading infectious cause of blindness.
Key Facts
- WHO has validated Tunisia as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.
- Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through close contact, contaminated surfaces, and flies.
- In the early to mid-20th century, trachoma was endemic in Tunisia, affecting at least half the population, especially in southern regions.
- Tunisia adopted and scaled up the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy: Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement.
- The country ran nationwide screening and treatment campaigns, integrated eye care into primary care and school health programmes, and promoted good hygiene.
- A post-validation surveillance system is in place to detect any return of disease.
- Tunisia is the 14th country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease.
- Tunisia is the 31st country in the world to be validated as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem.
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
