WHO Declared Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia Trachoma-Free
The health organization certified the three nations as having eliminated the disease as a public health problem.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Health — General
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The World Health Organization has officially declared Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia free of trachoma as a public health problem. This milestone follows regional efforts to improve immunization coverage and healthcare infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa.
Why it matters
These regional health initiatives aim to translate strategic goals into improved clinical outcomes, including enhanced vaccine access and disease control. The efforts address critical gaps in health workforce investment and long-term regional stability.
Official reports confirmed the WHO administered 72 million measles vaccine doses across seven Arab nations. Additionally, pentavalent vaccine coverage in Sudan climbed from 39% in 2024 to 71% in 2025.
The players
World Health Organization
This is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
Arab Medical Union
This is a professional organization of physicians from various Arab countries that collaborates on regional healthcare advancements.
The details
The organization is executing a strategic implementation plan spanning 2025 through 2028, focusing on medical products, vaccines, and mental health support. Regional work is intensified through technical partnerships with the Arab Medical Union to bolster field operations.
Timeline
In 2024, pentavalent vaccine coverage in Sudan reached 39%.
In 2025, pentavalent vaccine coverage in Sudan rose to 71%.
The WHO regional strategic implementation plan runs from 2025 to 2028.
On October 3, 2026, a WHO representative addressed the Arab Medical Union.
The Big Picture
The WHO regional strategic implementation plan sets the framework for these health improvements. This certification of trachoma elimination marks a significant successful milestone within the broader goals established by the plan.
Residents in the certified nations will benefit from reduced risk of blindness and secondary complications associated with trachoma. Enhanced vaccine coverage in conflict-affected areas like Sudan also improves long-term health prospects for vulnerable populations.
The takeaway
The eradication of trachoma demonstrates that targeted regional vaccination and public health strategies can yield measurable success in preventing debilitating diseases. Consistent investment in healthcare infrastructure remains the primary driver for maintaining these public health gains.
Further reading
Learn more about global health initiatives and disease control on the Health — General section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EgyptToday.
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