Eastern Mediterranean Region Celebrates Progress Towards Trachoma Elimination

The Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is making remarkable strides towards eliminating trachoma, a debilitating neglected tropical disease that has historically caused significant suffering and blindness in the region. This progress is a testament to the unwavering commitment of governments, dedicated healthcare workers, and the collaborative efforts of organizations like the EMR Alliance for Trachoma Control, established in 2013.

Several countries in the region have achieved the monumental milestone of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, as validated by the World Health Organization (WHO). These include:

• Oman: A pioneer in trachoma elimination, Oman became the first country globally to achieve validation in 2012.
• Morocco: Following closely behind, Morocco achieved elimination in 2016.
• Iran: Iran joined the ranks of trachoma-free countries in 2018.
• Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s successful elimination efforts were recognized in 2022.
• Pakistan: The latest victory came in 2024, with Pakistan’s elimination validated by the WHO. This achievement was celebrated at the 12th EMR Trachoma Alliance Meeting that was held in Riyadh 13-14 December 2024, where Professor Asad Aslam Khan, Chairman of the National Trachoma Task Force in Pakistan, was honoured for this achievement.

Furthermore, Djibouti, Somalia, and Libya have made significant progress, reaching a stage where mass drug administration (MDA) is no longer required. Afghanistan, Egypt, Sudan, and Yemen are actively implementing comprehensive trachoma control programs and are showing promising progress towards elimination.

A key focus of the meeting was to review country progress, discuss challenges as well as build skills on dossier development.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to pursue these strategies and strengthen regional cooperation in addressing eye health challenges. Participants expressed optimism about improving eye health services and awareness in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The meeting was hosted by King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh with support from the Islamic Development Bank.

The collaborative spirit and commitment demonstrated at the 12th EMR Trachoma Alliance Meeting provide strong hope for a future where trachoma is no longer a public health problem in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. By continuing to work together, sharing knowledge, and implementing effective strategies, the region is poised to achieve a trachoma-free future, improving the lives of millions and contributing to the global goal of eliminating this neglected tropical disease.