Senegal has officially eliminated trachoma, an infectious eye disease, after a 20-year struggle. This achievement has saved 2.8 million people from blindness, thanks to the combined efforts of the health system, local communities, and international partners such as the WHO.

Official recognition

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed this elimination on July 15, 2025. This confirmation proves that Senegal is removed from the "red list" of countries affected by this disease. The country of Teranga thus becomes the 26th country in the world to achieve this goal.

A collective victory celebrated

To celebrate the success achieved in the fight against trachoma in Senegal, Senegalese health authorities organized a party in honor of the key players who identified themselves in this battle.

Dr. Samba Cor Sarr, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Health and Social Action, who presided over the ceremony, welcomed this historic health victory. "Today, we are mourning the loss of a disease called trachoma, a disease that has cost Senegal enormously. Successfully eliminating such a pathology in our country is a victory that deserves to be celebrated. This is not a victory for the health system, it is a victory for Senegalese society, and I think this has been recognized by the country's authorities. That is why we wanted to organize this day of celebration," he said.

Call for vigilance

According to him, these achievements embody the resilience of the Senegalese health system. But elimination does not mean eradication. It is in this sense that he calls for vigilance to ensure the sustainability of these achievements and avoid any resurgence of this disease.

"The celebration will not lead us to rest on our laurels. It is a celebration that will further encourage us to be more vigilant with regard to this pathology and other victories are expected, always within the framework of the process of eliminating the disease which sometimes constitutes a factor that greatly limits the potential for the economic growth of our country."

WHO representative Dr. Madi warmly welcomed this decisive step that Senegal has taken in the fight against trachoma. Following this confirmed victory, WHO reiterates its commitment to supporting Senegal in the fight against other pathologies, particularly neglected tropical diseases.