Huge Victory Over Ancient Disease

Egypt has officially eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the seventh country in the Eastern Mediterranean Region — and the 27th worldwide — to reach this milestone, according to the World Health Organization.

“This demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained national leadership, strong surveillance and community engagement in ending a disease that has afflicted humanity since antiquity,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Once endemic for over 3,000 years, trachoma has now been brought under control through years of coordinated national efforts using WHO’s SAFE strategy — Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement. Supported by improved access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare, Egypt’s success shows that even ancient diseases can be defeated through persistence, science and strong community partnerships.