Libya, eradicating a disease that has caused blindness for over 100 years

The World Health Organization (WHO) officially announced that Libya has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma is an eye disease caused by bacterial infection and is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that can lead to blindness if not treated. With this achievement, Libya became the 28th country in the world and the 8th country in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region to receive trachoma eradication certification.

“This achievement demonstrates Libya’s determination to protect the health of its people and strengthens confidence that progress against neglected tropical diseases is possible everywhere,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Fighting disease over a century

In Libya, trachoma has been an endemic disease documented for more than 100 years. Surveys in the 20th century reported high levels of active trachoma, especially in southern communities. Libya's Ministry of Health began controlling infectious eye diseases in the 1970s and 1980s, and subsequently significantly lowered the transmission rate by strengthening the health system.

In 2017, the Ministry of Health made trachoma eradication a priority as part of the National Blindness Prevention Program. In 2022, a new survey was conducted in six southern regions with support from WHO, Sightsavers, and the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI). In most regions, the prevalence was confirmed to be below the WHO eradication standards, and a surgical campaign was conducted in the Wadi al-Haya/Ghat region where the standards were exceeded. A further survey in 2025 confirmed that the area also met the criteria.

Achievements despite political instability

This achievement in Libya is even more meaningful in that it was achieved amid years of political instability and humanitarian crisis. Despite a significant decline in health services and a rapid increase in demand for water and sanitation facilities due to civil war and population movements, Libya continued to pursue integration of surveillance systems, expansion of access to surgery, and strengthening of ophthalmological medical personnel capacity.

“Even during these difficult times, we have focused on improving eye health services and ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Acting Health Minister Muhammad Algozi.

Implications for cooperation between Korea and global health

Korea is a major donor in the global health sector and has participated in international efforts to eradicate neglected tropical diseases. The case of Libya shows that public health goals can be achieved through cooperation with international organizations even in times of political instability. This is a precedent that can be used as a reference in establishing Korea's global health ODA (Official Development Assistance) strategy.

The increase in the number of countries eradicating trachoma in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region means strengthening the region's health capacity, and this is also seen as a positive signal for Korea, which has economic and diplomatic ties with the Middle East and North Africa region.