WHO confirms Mauritania has eliminated trachoma as a public health concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized Mauritania for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.

“I congratulate the government and the people of Mauritania for this achievement,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This is another example of the incredible progress we have made against neglected tropical diseases and gives hope to many other nations still fighting against trachoma that they too can eliminate this disease.”

Trachoma, a bacterial infection that can cause irreversible blindness, is typically spread through contact with eye secretions, contaminated objects, or flies that have been in contact with infected individuals. The disease is most prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water, especially in overcrowded living conditions.

Mauritania’s success is attributed to a comprehensive strategy combining several key interventions: widespread distribution of antibiotics donated by Pfizer, surgical procedures to correct advanced stages of the disease, and robust public health campaigns focused on hygiene education and improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

This marks the second neglected tropical disease Mauritania has eliminated. In 2009, the country successfully halted the transmission of Guinea-worm disease (dracunculiasis).

Despite this progress, trachoma remains a health concern in 37 countries, where approximately 103 million people are still at risk and in need of preventive and treatment measures, according to WHO data from April 2024.