Senegal Eliminates Trachoma as a Public Health Problem

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, that Senegal has successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. After more than twenty years of fighting the disease, Senegal has succeeded in eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, the Ministry of Health and Social Action announced yesterday, confirming that the country is the ninth country in sub-Saharan Africa to reach this milestone. This represents a crucial step towards achieving the goals of eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by 2030.

Press release, Dakar, July 16, 2025 – The Government of Senegal, through the Ministry of Health and Social Action, is pleased to announce a historic public health achievement: the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem throughout the country.

Trachoma, the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, is a preventable disease that has affected millions of people, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas. Its elimination marks the culmination of decades of collective commitment, national leadership, and strong partnerships.

“Today, we are proud to announce that Senegal has officially eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, a victory that comes 21 years after the victory against dracunculiasis,” said Dr. Ibrahima Sy, Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action. “This achievement is the result of hard work and dedication from our government, our local and international partners, health workers, and communities.” He continued, “Eliminating this disease will improve the physical, social, and economic well-being of families and communities in Senegal. Now, more than 10 million people in the country can live without fear of the devastating effects of this blinding disease returning to their communities. This new milestone reminds us that our ultimate goal remains a Senegal free of neglected tropical diseases. We are fully committed to this goal and are making notable progress, particularly in the fight against human African trypanosomiasis and onchocerciasis.”

Senegal becomes the fourteenth country in the world and the ninth country on the continent to have eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, joining a growing group of nations that are showing that eliminating neglected diseases is possible through coordinated, evidence-based action.

Senegal joins eight other African countries that have made significant progress against trachoma. Dr. Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo, WHO Representative in Senegal, said:

“We are delighted to see the impact of our joint efforts and applaud the achievement of this key milestone in stopping trachoma transmission in Senegal. Trachoma has cast a shadow over Senegalese communities for over a century. This long-awaited validation is not only a significant public health milestone, but also a powerful testament to the tireless dedication of frontline health workers, communities, government leaders, and partners, including pharmaceutical companies, who have never given up. Today, we close a chapter that began over a hundred years ago, united by pride, gratitude, and determination. WHO remains committed to supporting Senegal as it continues to play a leading role in sustaining this hard-won achievement.” We are committed to working with the Ministry of Health to achieve the goal of eliminating all neglected tropical diseases by 2030.”

This success is the result of the rigorous implementation of the SAFE strategy (Trichiasis Surgery, Antibiotic Therapy to Treat Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection, Facial Cleansing, and Environmental Change to Reduce Person-to-Person Transmission of C. trachomatis). These four components of the SAFE strategy form the foundation of efforts to eliminate trachoma.

Thanks to the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Social Action, under the guidance of the Directorate for Disease Control, the National NTD Control Program and the National Eye Health Promotion Program (PNPSO), respectively coordinated by Dr. Mamadou Moustapha Diop, Dr. Ndeye Mbacké Kane, Dr. Mouctar Dieng Badiane and their predecessors, regional health directorates, health districts, national experts, the exemplary mobilization of community health workers, civil society actors and local authorities as well as the support of international technical and financial partners including WHO, Sightsavers, FHI 360, USAID and many others, more than 10 million people have been protected against this devastating disease.

“We are proud to have supported Senegal in this historic achievement. The elimination of trachoma demonstrates that strong political will, combined with national leadership and lasting partnerships, can overcome neglected tropical diseases. This success sends a powerful message to the world,” added Mr. Cheikh Seck, Country Director of Sightsavers.

This announcement reinforces Senegal’s commitment to achieving the goals of eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by 2030 and illustrates the potential of an effective partnership between governments, communities, young people, and international stakeholders.

“Senegal’s elimination of trachoma illustrates the power of a collaborative, multisectoral approach. Through the No to NTDs movement, we have seen how mobilizing communities, artists, youth, the media, athletes, and policymakers can accelerate progress toward health equity. This victory belongs to the Senegalese people, and it demonstrates that when we act together, we can defeat neglected tropical diseases,” said Yacine Djibo, Executive Director of Speak Up Africa.

The Government of Senegal will continue its efforts to maintain this elimination, actively monitor the epidemiological situation, and strengthen NTD prevention throughout the country.