Algeria has achieved a monumental public health milestone by becoming the 29th country globally—and the 10th in the WHO African Region—to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially validated Algeria’s elimination status in April 2026, recognizing decades of sustained effort, political will and community engagement. This victory marks the first time Algeria has eliminated a neglected tropical disease, positioning the country as a global leader in disease eradication.

Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. The disease spreads through contact with infected eye discharge via hands, clothing, or flies, leading to repeated infections that scar the eyelid and cause painful trichiasis—a condition where eyelashes turn inward and scratch the eyeball, resulting in visual impairment or blindness. Globally, trachoma remains endemic in 30 countries, affecting approximately 1.9 million people with blindness or visual impairment and putting 97 million at risk according to WHO data.

Algeria’s journey to elimination began over a century ago with the establishment of the Pasteur Institute of Algeria in 1909. After gaining independence in 1962, the country intensified its efforts by creating a national public healthcare system that provided free services to all patients in 1974. The cornerstone of Algeria’s strategy was the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, which stands for:

• Surgery for advanced trachomatous trichiasis (TT)
• Antibiotics through mass drug administration
• Facial cleanliness promotion and hygiene education
• Environmental improvements, including access to clean water and sanitation

To accelerate progress, Algeria launched a targeted three-year strategy from 2013 to 2015, focusing on 12 southern provinces where trachoma persisted. These included Adrar, Laghouat, Biskra, Béchar, Tamanrasset, Ouargla, El Bayadh, Illizi, Tindouf, El Oued, Naama, and Ghardaïa. A National Expert Committee was established to oversee these efforts, ensuring coordinated action across health, education, and water sectors.

By 2022, WHO-compliant surveys confirmed that Algeria had met elimination thresholds for active trachoma in all regions. In the three remaining districts where trachomatous trichiasis persisted, door-to-door screenings and surgical interventions were conducted to ensure complete elimination. In December 2025, Algeria submitted comprehensive evidence to WHO demonstrating compliance with elimination criteria, including robust health systems, school health programs, and widespread access to eye care and sanitation.

Why This Achievement Matters: A Blueprint for Global Health

Algeria’s elimination of trachoma is not just a victory for the country—We see a testament to what is possible when public health priorities are sustained over generations. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized this in a statement: “Algeria’s elimination of trachoma is a historic triumph that connects the past, present, and future of public health, and is rooted in a century-long commitment. 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.“

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect over one billion people worldwide, primarily in impoverished communities. Trachoma, in particular, has devastating consequences for individuals and economies, leading to blindness that disrupts livelihoods and education. Algeria’s success demonstrates that even in resource-limited settings, elimination is achievable through:

• Strong political leadership and multisectoral collaboration
• Integration of disease control into broader health and development strategies
• Community engagement and education
• Sustainable infrastructure for water, sanitation, and healthcare

Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the broader impact: “Trachoma devastates individuals and communities profoundly, with blindness or visual impairment causing painful economic and livelihood loss. The milestone by Algeria is a major achievement that transforms the health and well-being of children, women, and entire families and demonstrates that eliminating neglected tropical diseases is possible with consistent and coordinated efforts.“

From Past to Future: Algeria’s Model for Sustainable Elimination

Algeria’s fight against trachoma began in the early 20th century, long before independence. After 1962, the country’s healthcare system expanded rapidly, with free public health services becoming a cornerstone of national policy. The creation of the national health system in 1974 was a turning point, providing the foundation for large-scale disease control programs.

Professor Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, Algeria’s Minister of Health, reflected on the collective effort: “WHO’s validation marks the culmination of sustained efforts, exemplary multisectoral coordination, and enduring commitment. It attests to our country’s capacity to meet the most rigorous public health standards—standards grounded in prevention, equitable access to care, and the improvement of living conditions. This achievement represents a collective victory—the fruit of nearly fifty years of national mobilization—and underscores the Algerian State’s unwavering commitment to the health of its population.“

Key to Algeria’s success was the integration of trachoma control into broader development goals. The SAFE strategy was not implemented in isolation but was part of a comprehensive approach that included:

• School health programs to reach children, who are particularly vulnerable to trachoma
• Community health workers trained to identify and treat cases early
• Water and sanitation projects to reduce transmission
• Regular surveillance to detect and respond to outbreaks quickly

Algeria’s experience also underscores the importance of international partnerships. WHO provided technical assistance, funding, and expertise throughout the elimination process, while local health professionals and communities drove the implementation on the ground.

What Happens Next? Surveillance and the Road Ahead

While Algeria has met WHO’s elimination criteria, the fight against trachoma is not over. WHO recommends continued surveillance to prevent resurgence, particularly in areas where the disease was previously endemic. Algeria is already working with WHO to strengthen its post-elimination monitoring systems, ensuring that any new cases are detected and addressed promptly.

This achievement also sets a precedent for other countries in the WHO African Region, where trachoma remains a significant public health challenge. With 10 countries in the region now having eliminated trachoma, the momentum for regional elimination is growing. Algeria’s success serves as inspiration and a roadmap for others.

For global health, Algeria’s elimination of trachoma is a reminder that neglected tropical diseases are not insurmountable. The country’s model—combining long-term commitment, innovative strategies, and community engagement—offers a blueprint for tackling other NTDs, including lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths.

Key Takeaways

• Historic Milestone: Algeria is the 29th country globally and the 10th in the WHO African Region to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.
• Century-Long Effort: The fight against trachoma in Algeria spans over 100 years, from early 20th-century research to modern public health initiatives.
• SAFE Strategy Success: Surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements were the pillars of Algeria’s elimination program.
• Multisectoral Collaboration: Success required coordination across health, education, water, and sanitation sectors.
• Global Impact: Algeria’s achievement demonstrates that neglected tropical diseases can be eliminated with sustained political will and community engagement.
• Ongoing Vigilance: WHO recommends continued surveillance to prevent trachoma from re-emerging.

How to Stay Informed

For readers interested in Algeria’s public health achievements or global efforts to eliminate neglected tropical diseases, the following resources provide further information:

• WHO Validation Announcement
• WHO Trachoma Elimination Strategy
• WHO Trachoma Fact Sheet
• WHO Roadmap for NTDs 2021–2030

Algeria’s elimination of trachoma is a triumph not just for the country but for global health. As the world continues to grapple with infectious diseases and health disparities, Algeria’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through persistence, innovation, and partnership.

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