Dakar, 15 July 2025 — Senegal has officially eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, becoming the ninth country in the WHO African Region to achieve this milestone. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the validation during a joint briefing in Dakar, Brazzaville, and Geneva, hailing it as a significant step in the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
“This achievement is a testament to Senegal’s dedication to improving health outcomes,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “It offers renewed hope to other countries still battling this preventable cause of blindness.”
A Century-Old Burden Lifted
Trachoma, a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, has been present in Senegal for over 100 years. It emerged as a leading cause of blindness in the country through surveys in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1998, Senegal joined the WHO’s Global Elimination of Trachoma initiative, initiating decades of concerted national action.
By 2017, with support from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project and Tropical Data, Senegal had fully mapped the disease across the country. The work continued through national eye health programmes like the National Program for Blindness Prevention (PNLC) and its successor, the National Program for the Promotion of Eye Health (PNPSO).
“Today we celebrate victory over trachoma—21 years after eliminating Guinea-worm disease,” said Dr Ibrahima Sy, Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action. “It’s another step on our journey to make Senegal free of neglected tropical diseases.”
The SAFE Strategy: A Model for Elimination
Senegal’s success is rooted in the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy:
- Surgery to treat advanced cases causing blindness
- Antibiotics (mass distribution of azithromycin, donated by Pfizer through the International Trachoma Initiative)
- Facial cleanliness promotion campaigns
- Environmental improvements, including better access to clean water and sanitation
Over 2.8 million people in 24 districts benefited from this coordinated approach, which was carried out in partnership with local communities, health workers, and global health organizations.
“Trachoma has cast a long shadow over communities in Senegal,” said Dr Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo, WHO Representative in Senegal. “This moment is not only a public health victory but a celebration of resilience, partnership, and unwavering commitment.”
Global Context: Progress and Remaining Challenges
Senegal is now one of 25 countries worldwide that have eliminated trachoma as a public health threat, joining others like Ghana, Gambia, Morocco, and India. In total, 57 countries have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease.
However, the fight is far from over. As of April 2024, 32 countries still face trachoma as a public health concern. An estimated 103 million people—93 million of them in Africa—live in at-risk areas.
WHO continues to support surveillance in Senegal to prevent any resurgence of the disease, as part of a broader effort outlined in the Neglected Tropical Diseases Road Map 2021–2030.
Looking Ahead
Senegal’s achievement is a beacon for the region and the world. With continued investment in public health infrastructure, education, and access to clean water and sanitation, global elimination of trachoma is within reach.
“Senegal’s success shows that eliminating neglected diseases is possible with sustained effort and strong partnerships,” said Dr Tedros. “It is a powerful reminder that no community should have to suffer from preventable diseases.”