Burundi Achieves Milestone by Eliminating Trachoma as Public Health Threat

On July 14, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced that Burundi has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. This significant milestone marks Burundi as the eighth country in the WHO African Region to achieve this status, highlighting the nation's extensive efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, poses a severe threat to public health, particularly in areas with limited access to clean water and sanitation. The disease spreads through personal contact, contaminated surfaces, and flies, leading to severe complications, including scarring and blindness. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked, "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 for their hard work and commitment. It is inspiring to see Burundi join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one NTD."

Burundi's Health Minister, Dr. Lydwine Baradahana, celebrated this achievement, stating, "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. I thank all the partners, community health workers, and institutions who made this historic achievement possible."

The country initiated a nationwide effort to combat NTDs prior to 2007, when it began gathering official data on the prevalence of trachoma. Surveys conducted between 2009 and 2010 confirmed its endemic presence in several regions, prompting immediate intervention strategies across 12 health districts, benefitting approximately 2.5 million individuals. These efforts were structured around the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, which encompasses Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement.

Burundi's campaign against trachoma received vital technical and financial support from various organizations, including CBM Christoffel Blindenmission, the END Fund, Geneva Global, and the WHO. Pfizer contributed by donating azithromycin through the International Trachoma Initiative.

Dr. Xavier Crespin, WHO Representative in Burundi, noted, "This achievement reflects the government's resolve to protect its most vulnerable populations. Under strong leadership, with the support of community health workers and key partners, this victory was made possible. It inspires us to press forward to eliminate all remaining neglected tropical diseases."

Despite this significant progress, trachoma remains a public health issue in 32 countries worldwide, with an estimated 103 million individuals still requiring interventions. The WHO African Region bears the highest burden, accounting for 90% of the global at-risk population. However, since 2014, the number of people needing antibiotic treatment for trachoma in Africa has drastically decreased by 51%, from 189 million to 93 million in April 2024.

Burundi now stands alongside other nations like Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, and Togo, which have also successfully eliminated trachoma. An additional four countries—Botswana, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, and Senegal—have reached WHO's elimination thresholds.

On a global scale, 57 countries have eliminated at least one NTD, with 24 countries, including Burundi, specifically eliminating trachoma. Notable others in this category include India, Cambodia, China, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. The WHO's commitment to eliminating NTDs signifies a crucial step towards improving global public health, especially in the most affected regions.