A new report from World Health Organization (WHO) show that trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness, is a public health problem in at least part of 32 countries. Trachoma is caused by particular serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis. Infection is transmitted by ocular and nasal secretions that are passed from person to person on fingers and fomites (such as hard surfaces and clothing) and by eye-seeking flies (particularly Musca sorbens).
Trachoma can be eliminated by a set of interventions known as the “SAFE strategy”, comprising
surgery for TT (trachomatous trichiasis), antibiotics to clear ocular C. trachomatis infection and facial cleanliness and environmental improvement (particularly improved access to water and sanitation) to reduce C. trachomatis transmission.
As of 17 July 2025, elimination of trachoma as a public health problem has been validated by WHO in 25 countries (Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam). In addition, 6 countries (Botswana, Fiji, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Namibia and Tunisia) report having achieved the prevalence targets for elimination.
According the report, in 2024, 46.7 million doses of antibiotics were distributed to 44.4 million people for elimination of trachoma. This treated people number increased compared to 32.9
million people in 2023 and 36.2 million people in 2022.