Egypt Eliminates Trachoma as Public Health Concern

Egypt has achieved a significant public health milestone by eliminating trachoma as a public health concern, becoming the 26th country to do so. This accomplishment follows a series of triumphs over tropical diseases, including the eradication of lymphatic filariasis and malaria over the past three decades.

Trachoma, caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis, has been documented in Egypt for over three millennia and was once the leading cause of infectious blindness worldwide. Public health efforts began in the early 20th century, led by pioneering ophthalmologist Arthur Ferguson MacCallan, who established Egypt's first mobile and permanent eye hospitals.

However, by the 1980s, trachoma still afflicted many adults and over half of all children in some Nile Delta communities. Since 2002, the Ministry of Health and Population of Egypt has collaborated with the World Health Organization and various national and international partners to eliminate trachoma through the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy.

This strategy encompasses Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics to eradicate the causative organism, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement. Between 2015 and 2025, comprehensive mapping and surveillance across all 27 of Egypt's governorates revealed a significant decrease in the proportion of children affected by active trachoma, with both key indicators now falling below the WHO's elimination prevalence thresholds nationwide.

In 2024, Egypt integrated trachoma surveillance into its national electronic disease reporting system to ensure rapid response to any future cases. According to Professor Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, this achievement reflects Egypt's commitment to equitable healthcare and the impact of initiatives like Haya Karima, which enhance access to safe water, sanitation, and primary care in rural areas.

Egypt is now the seventh country in the WHO's Eastern Mediterranean region to eliminate trachoma, joining Morocco and Somalia. The WHO Representative to Egypt, Dr. Nima Abid, highlighted that this milestone demonstrates what can be achieved through political commitment and sustained public health efforts.

Nonetheless, trachoma remains a public health issue in 30 countries, affecting approximately 1.9 million people worldwide. Despite challenges, countries like Togo, Papua New Guinea, and Mauritania show that it is possible to achieve similar successes.

Egypt's elimination of trachoma serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for nations facing similar health challenges, showcasing the power of collaboration and commitment to public health.