A Centuries-Old Battle: Understanding Trachoma

Trachoma, a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, has plagued humanity for millennia. Spread through close personal contact, contaminated hands, and flies, the disease causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, leading to scarring and ultimately, blindness if left untreated. For centuries, trachoma has disproportionately affected impoverished communities with limited access to clean water and sanitation.

The story of trachoma in Egypt stretches back over 3,000 years, with evidence of the disease found in ancient mummies. Early public health interventions began in the early 20th century, spearheaded by ophthalmologist Arthur Ferguson MacCallan, who established mobile eye hospitals and laid the foundation for organized trachoma control. Despite these efforts, the disease persisted, blinding countless adults and affecting over half of all children in some Nile Delta regions by the 1980s.

The SAFE Strategy: A Multi-Pronged Approach

The turning point came in 2002, when the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, in collaboration with the WHO and other partners, adopted the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy. This comprehensive approach combines Surgery to correct trichiasis (inward-turning eyelashes), Antibiotics to clear the infection, Facial cleanliness promotion, and Environmental improvement to interrupt transmission.

Between 2015 and 2025, rigorous mapping and surveillance across Egypt’s 27 governorates revealed a consistent decline in trachoma prevalence among children aged 1-9. Crucially, the incidence of blinding complications in adults also diminished significantly, falling below WHO elimination thresholds nationwide. In 2024, Egypt further strengthened its surveillance system by integrating trachoma reporting into its national electronic disease reporting system, enabling rapid response to any potential outbreaks.

“Egypt’s elimination of trachoma underscores the nation’s dedication to equitable healthcare and the transformative impact of initiatives like Haya Karima, which have expanded access to essential services in rural areas,” stated Professor Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population. “This success is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Egypt’s health workers, communities, and partners.”

This achievement builds on Egypt’s previous success in eliminating lymphatic filariasis in 2018, bringing the total number of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) eliminated in the country to two. Globally, 58 countries have now eliminated at least one NTD, with nine located in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Dr. Nima Abid, WHO Representative to Egypt, emphasized the broader implications of this victory: “Egypt’s success serves as an inspiring example for other nations in the region and beyond. It demonstrates the power of political commitment, strong partnerships, and sustained public health efforts.”

Collaboration and Partnerships: The Key to Success

Eliminating trachoma in Egypt was a collaborative endeavor, requiring coordinated action across multiple sectors. The WHO provided crucial technical guidance, monitoring, and validation support to the Ministry of Health and Population. The effort was further bolstered by the financial and technical contributions of numerous partners, including the Haya Karima Foundation, the Eastern Mediterranean Region Trachoma Alliance, the Nourseen Charity Foundation, the International Trachoma Initiative, the Global Trachoma Mapping Project, Sightsavers, CBM, the Kilimanjaro Centre for Community Ophthalmology, the Magrabi Foundation, and the Tropical Data global initiative.

Dr. Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, lauded the achievement: “Together, we have proven that elimination is attainable through collaboration and perseverance. This success reflects years of dedication and the tireless efforts of communities, health workers, and partners who firmly believed that everyone deserves to live free from preventable disease. Egypt exemplifies the power of determination.”

What long-term strategies will be essential to sustain Egypt’s trachoma-free status? And how can this success be replicated in other regions still battling this ancient disease?

Frequently Asked Questions About Trachoma Elimination in Egypt