Senegal Achieves Milestone by Eradicating Trachoma as Public Health Threat

Senegal has officially been validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant achievement in public health for the nation. This milestone, announced on July 15, 2025, in Dakar, makes Senegal the ninth country in the African Region to achieve such a feat, joining a select group of 24 countries worldwide that have eradicated this neglected tropical disease.

"I commend Senegal for freeing its population from this disease," stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "This milestone is yet another sign of the remarkable progress being made against neglected tropical diseases globally, and offers hope to other countries still working to eliminate trachoma."

Historically, trachoma has plagued Senegal since the early 1900s, with surveys conducted in the 1980s and 1990s confirming it as a major cause of blindness. The country joined the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma in 1998 and initiated its first national survey in 2000. By 2017, Senegal had completed comprehensive disease mapping with support from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project and Tropical Data. The integration of trachoma control into national health programs, first under the National Program for Blindness Prevention (PNLC) and later through the National Program for the Promotion of Eye Health (PNPSO), underscored Senegal's commitment to this goal.

"Today we celebrate our victory against trachoma, 21 years after the one against dracunculiasis," remarked Dr. Ibrahima Sy, Senegal's Minister of Health and Social Action. "This new milestone reminds us that our overarching goal remains a Senegal free from neglected tropical diseases. We are fully committed to this, and we are making good progress, notably against human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and onchocerciasis."

The WHO-recommended SAFE strategy was pivotal in eliminating trachoma, with the nation reaching approximately 2.8 million individuals across 24 districts. This strategy emphasized surgery for late-stage cases, mass distribution of antibiotics—specifically azithromycin donated by Pfizer through the International Trachoma Initiative—and public awareness campaigns promoting hygiene and improved access to water and sanitation.

Senegal's achievement is particularly notable as it follows its certification in 2004 as free from dracunculiasis transmission, highlighting the country’s proactive approach to public health. Globally, trachoma remains a public health challenge in 32 countries, affecting an estimated 103 million people, predominantly in impoverished and rural regions of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, and the Middle East. The WHO's African Region, which encompasses Senegal, is disproportionately affected, with 90% of the global trachoma burden.

Significant progress has been observed in the fight against trachoma in the African Region, where the number of individuals requiring antibiotic treatment fell from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million as of April 2024, representing a 51% reduction. However, 20 countries in the African Region still require intervention for trachoma elimination, while three others claim to have met elimination targets.

As Senegal celebrates this historic achievement, Dr. Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo, WHO Representative in Senegal, emphasized the importance of continued vigilance. "Trachoma has cast a shadow over communities in Senegal for more than a century. This long-awaited validation is not only a milestone for public health but a powerful tribute to the tireless dedication of frontline health workers, communities, government leaders, and partners who never gave up," he stated.

Looking ahead, WHO is committed to supporting Senegal's health authorities in monitoring previously endemic areas to prevent any resurgence of trachoma. The road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030 targets the prevention, control, elimination, and eradication of 20 diseases and disease groups by 2030, underscoring the importance of sustained efforts in public health initiatives. Senegal's success serves as a beacon of hope for other nations striving to combat neglected tropical diseases and improve health outcomes for their populations.