Century-old eye disease finally eliminated in Senegal

This makes Senegal the ninth country in Africa and the 25th globally to reach this milestone in the fight against a disease that has affected some of the world's poorest communities for over a century.

Trachoma is a contagious eye disease that can lead to blindness if left untreated. It spreads easily in areas with poor hygiene and limited access to clean water.

In Senegal, it had been present since the early 1900s and was a leading cause of vision loss in many parts of the country.

Senegal began taking steps to eliminate the disease more than two decades ago.

In 1998, the country joined WHO's global push to stop trachoma. By 2017, it had completed detailed mapping of the disease across the country with help from global health partners.

Over the years, the Senegalese government integrated trachoma control into its national health plans and kept the fight going through its national eye health programmes.

The WHO says Senegal reached 2.8 million people across 24 districts through efforts that included surgeries for advanced cases, mass distribution of antibiotics, public awareness campaigns on face washing, and improved access to water and sanitation.

These actions followed the WHO’s SAFE strategy, which combines medical treatment with hygiene and environmental improvements.

“This long-awaited validation is not only a milestone for public health but a powerful tribute to the tireless dedication of frontline health workers, communities, government leaders, and partners who never gave up,” said Dr Jean-Marie Vianny Yameogo, WHO Representative in Senegal.

Senegal had earlier beaten another disease known as dracunculiasis, or Guinea-worm disease, in 2004. Its health officials say they are now focused on ending other neglected tropical diseases such as sleeping sickness and river blindness.

WHO data shows that trachoma still affects 32 countries and over 100 million people, mostly in Africa. In the African region alone, 93 million people were living in at-risk areas as of April 2024.

However, the number has dropped significantly in recent years.

WHO says it will continue working with Senegal to make sure trachoma does not return, and to support other countries still struggling with the disease.