Burundi Achieves Major Public Health Milestone by Eliminating Trachoma

In a significant public health advancement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated that Burundi has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. This achievement, announced on July 11, 2025, positions Burundi as the eighth country in the African Region to attain this crucial milestone, reflecting a sustained commitment to public health improvements and health equity.

Trachoma, a disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, remains a leading cause of preventable blindness globally. Historically, the disease spreads through personal contact and contaminated surfaces, with flies acting as vectors. Repeated infections can lead to severe complications, including the in-turning of eyelids and eventual blindness. The WHO's validation highlights not only the elimination of an endemic disease but also the concerted efforts of the Burundian government and its international partners.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, commended the efforts of the Burundian government and its citizens, stating, "Eliminating a disease like trachoma is a major public health achievement that requires sustained effort and dedication. I congratulate the government and the people of Burundi and commend them for their hard work and commitment."

The journey to elimination began in 2007 when the Burundian government launched an initiative to tackle neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Prior to this, the extent of trachoma in the country was largely undocumented. Through integrated mapping and subsequent interventions based on the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy—surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements—Burundi made significant strides in combating this disease. Dr. Lydwine Baradahana, the Minister of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, noted, "This validation marks a major milestone in our commitment to health equity. It is a collective victory made possible by nearly 20 years of national mobilization and international solidarity."

Burundi's elimination program received substantial support from international organizations, including CBM Christoffel Blindenmission, the END Fund, and the WHO. The International Trachoma Initiative at the Task Force for Global Health played a critical role by supplying the antibiotic azithromycin, which is pivotal in treating trachoma infections. Dr. Xavier Crespin, WHO Representative in Burundi, emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring to prevent any resurgence of the disease, stating, "This win inspires us to press forward with the same determination to eliminate all remaining neglected tropical diseases."

Despite this landmark achievement, trachoma continues to pose a threat in 32 countries, with approximately 103 million individuals living in areas requiring intervention. The African Region bears the brunt of the global trachoma burden, with 93 million at-risk individuals recorded in April 2024. Notably, the number of people requiring treatment in this region has decreased from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million, illustrating a significant reduction of 51%.

As of now, 20 countries in the WHO African Region still require interventions for trachoma elimination, including Algeria, Cameroon, and Nigeria. Burundi joins an accomplished group of countries—Benin, Gambia, Ghana, and others—that have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health issue. With a total of 57 countries having eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, the global health landscape continues to evolve positively.

This remarkable achievement not only reinforces Burundi's commitment to public health but also serves as a beacon of hope for other nations facing similar challenges. The path forward requires continued collaboration and dedication to ensure that no community is left behind in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.