Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Algeria for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, making it the 10th country in WHO’s African Region and the 29th worldwide to reach this milestone. Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness globally and still affects about 1.9 million people, remaining endemic in 30 countries. An estimated 97 million people live in trachoma-endemic areas and are at risk of related blindness. The disease, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, spreads via contact with infected eye secretions through hands, clothing, or flies. Repeated infections can scar the inner eyelid, leading to trachomatous trichiasis (TT), a painful condition that may cause visual impairment or blindness.
Algeria’s fight against trachoma began in the early 20th century with the Pasteur Institute of Algeria in 1909. After independence, Algerian physicians, led by Prof Mohamed Aouchiche, advanced this work within a free public healthcare system established in 1974. Algeria adopted the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy, including surgery for TT, mass antibiotic distribution, hygiene promotion, and improvements in water supply and sanitation.
To accelerate elimination, Algeria implemented a three-year strategy from 2013 to 2015 and formed a National Expert Committee. Efforts targeted trachoma as a public health issue in 12 southern wilayas (provinces), including Adrar, Laghouat, Biskra, and Béchar. Surveys in 2022 confirmed all areas had met the elimination threshold for active trachoma, with all but three meeting the threshold for TT.