Senegal obtains WHO certification and eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially certified the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, thus consecrating more than two decades of sustained efforts by health authorities and their partners.

Thanks to this performance, Senegal becomes the 25th country in the world and the 9th in the WHO African Region to achieve this goal, considered a major step forward in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.

“I congratulate Senegal on having freed its population from this disease. This achievement testifies to the remarkable progress made in the fight against neglected tropical diseases globally and offers real hope to countries committed to this path,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Trachoma is a bacterial eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. The leading infectious cause of preventable blindness worldwide, the disease is transmitted through contact with the eye or nasal secretions of an infected person, as well as through contaminated hands, objects, or certain flies. Its spread is facilitated by poor hygiene, overcrowding, and inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.

To overcome this disease, Senegal implemented the CHANCE strategy, recommended by the WHO. This strategy is based on surgery for cases of trachomatous trichiasis, the mass administration of azithromycin in endemic areas, the promotion of face washing, and the sustainable improvement of access to drinking water and sanitation.

These interventions have provided care to nearly 2.8 million people in 24 health districts, through mass treatment campaigns, free surgical operations and extensive community outreach.

The Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene emphasizes that the fight against trachoma has been progressively integrated into the National Eye Health Program, ensuring continuous monitoring of the disease and preservation of the gains achieved.

This certification represents Senegal's second major victory against a neglected tropical disease, following the elimination of dracunculiasis 21 years ago. Health authorities now intend to accelerate efforts against other endemic diseases, including human African trypanosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocerciasis.

The Ministry of Health commended the commitment of health professionals, communities, the education, water and sanitation sectors, as well as the crucial support of partners such as WHO, Sightsavers, FHI 360, RTI, USAID, the International Trachoma Initiative and Speak Up Africa.

While celebrating this international recognition, the authorities emphasize that the challenge now is to maintain these gains. Continued efforts to improve hygiene, access to clean water, sanitation, and living conditions remain essential to prevent any resurgence of the disease and to continue progressing towards a Senegal free of all neglected tropical diseases.