Algeria eliminates trachoma, leading cause of infectious blindness

Geneva: Algeria has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the latest nation to defeat the world’s leading cause of infectious blindness, the World Health Organization announced.

The WHO described the achievement as an “historic triumph,” crediting Algeria’s “well-functioning” school health system, broad access to water and sanitation, and extensive coverage of specialized eye care.

Trachoma is spread via contaminated fingers or flies that have come into contact with the eyes of an infected person. Algeria is now the 29th country validated by the WHO as having eliminated it.

“This milestone proves that with sustained political will and on-the-ground leadership from committed health professionals, we can eliminate neglected tropical diseases and build a healthier, more resilient future for all,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.