Libya eliminates trachoma, a contagious eye infection

The World Health Organization announced Libya has officially eliminated trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness, and is the 28th country to do so; Libya's Ministry of Health prioritized elimination from 2017 with WHO technical support.

The World Health Organization announced that Libya has officially eliminated trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness. WHO said Libya is the 28th country worldwide to reach this status. Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through personal contact, contaminated clothing, and flies carrying infected eye discharge. The disease has been documented in Libya for more than a century and is linked to limited access to water and sanitation in many areas. Libya's Ministry of Health prioritized elimination efforts from 2017 with technical and operational support from WHO, and acting minister Mohamed Al-Ghoj said the result reflects health workers' commitment. Key facts: - WHO announced Libya has officially eliminated trachoma and is the 28th country to do so. - Trachoma is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and can lead to scarring and blindness after repeated infections. - The infection spreads through personal contact, shared clothing, and flies carrying infected eye discharge. - Libya's Ministry of Health began prioritized elimination efforts in 2017 with WHO technical and operational support. - WHO highlighted the achievement despite political instability and strained health services in the country. Summary: The announcement marks a public health milestone in reducing the leading infectious cause of blindness in Libya and contributes to global progress against trachoma. Undetermined at this time.