Geneva: Egypt has achieved a new global health milestone after receiving official certification confirming the elimination of trachoma, becoming the seventh country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region to eliminate one of the world's leading preventable causes of blindness. The certificate was handed over to Health and Population Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the achievement marks another major public health success for Egypt following its certification as malaria-free last year. Abdel Ghaffar said the recognition reflects international acknowledgment of Egypt's success in eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, crediting sustained national efforts carried out under the political leadership and reaffirming the state's commitment to strengthening the healthcare system in line with Egypt Vision 2030.
He added that the ministry will continue preventive measures and surveillance programs to preserve the achievement and maintain Egypt's disease-free status, while praising healthcare workers for their efforts in reaching this milestone. Meanwhile, Deputy Health Minister Amr Kandil said neglected tropical diseases are closely associated worldwide with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water and sewage services, noting that the WHO's elimination strategy is primarily based on improving environmental health infrastructure.
He highlighted the role of Egypt's 'Decent Life' initiative in significantly improving living conditions in rural areas and contributing to the elimination of such diseases. According to the ministry's statement, Egyptians had suffered from trachoma for more than 3,000 years, while eradication efforts date back to the early 20th century.
The achievement represents part of a broader series of public health gains that reflect the efficiency of Egypt's healthcare system and its progress toward sustainable development goals.