Senegal and Burundi eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, bringing the total number of African Union (AU) Member States that have eliminated the disease to 10.

Trachoma is the first neglected tropical disease (NTD) eliminated by Burundi and the second by Senegal.

24 AU Member States have now eliminated at least one NTD.

The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) congratulates the Republics of Burundi and Senegal on receiving World Health Organization (WHO) validation for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. These historic achievements mark major public health milestones, making Burundi and Senegal the ninth and tenth African Union Member States to eliminate trachoma. They join the ranks of Mauritania, Benin, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Gambia, and Togo, who have already received World Health Organization (WHO) certification for eliminating the disease. 

For Burundi, this is the first neglected tropical disease to be eliminated. In Senegal, trachoma is the second NTD to be eliminated, following the country’s certification as free of dracunculiasis (Guinea-worm disease) in 2004.

This validation marks a major milestone in our commitment to health equity. It is a collective victory made possible by nearly 20 years of national mobilisation and international solidarity. I thank all the partners, community actors, and institutions in Burundi and beyond who made this historic achievement possible.

Dr Lydwine Baradahana, Minister of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, Burundi

Today we celebrate our victory against trachoma, 21 years after the one against dracunculiasis. This new milestone reminds us that our overarching goal remains a Senegal free from neglected tropical diseases. We are fully committed to this, and we are making good progress, notably against human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and onchocerciasis.

Dr Ibrahima Sy, Senegal’s Minister of Health and Social Action

Burundi’s path to elimination

In Burundi, surveys conducted in 2009–2010 confirmed that trachoma was endemic in several regions. This led to the introduction of interventions for 2.5 million people across 12 health districts, supported by various partners, ultimately resulting in this elimination success. 

Senegal’s two-decade commitment to trachoma elimination

Senegal has a long history with trachoma, with records of the disease dating back to the early 1900s. Surveys in the 1980s and 1990s confirmed it as a leading cause of blindness in the country (WHO). Senegal has since conducted comprehensive disease mapping and proceeded to embed trachoma control in its national health system – initially through the National Program for Blindness Prevention (PNLC) and later via the National Program for the Promotion of Eye Health (PNPSO) – demonstrating the country’s unwavering commitment to elimination goals. This, alongside the implementation of integrated efforts across sectors and communities, has culminated in Senegal’s official validation for trachoma elimination.

ALMA’s support through scorecards for accountability and action

As part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability and accelerate progress towards NTD elimination, ALMA has continued to support both Burundi and Senegal in developing and institutionalising national NTD scorecards for accountability and action. Introduced in 2023 and 2022 respectively, scorecard tools integrate key NTD indicators into national health information systems and are published regularly on the ALMA Scorecard Hub. These tools enhance data-driven decision-making and have further strengthened national monitoring and response capacity for both countries. 

Global and continental progress

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness globally, with 1.4 million people suffering from visual impairment due to the disease. Africa remains the most affected region, with an estimated 93 million people living in at-risk areas as of April 2024, representing 90% of the global trachoma burden (WHO).

However, significant progress has been made in combating trachoma in recent years, with the number of people requiring antibiotic treatment in the African region decreasing by 96 million, from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million as of April 2024. This represents a 51% reduction.

Burundi’s achievement makes it the 24^th African Union Member State to have eliminated at least one NTD to date. Globally, 57 countries have reached this milestone, with Burundi and Senegal bringing the number of countries that have specifically eliminated trachoma as a public health problem to 25.

These achievements catalyse the WHO goal of eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease in 100 countries by 2030, as well as Africa’s Continental Framework for the Control and Elimination of NTDs by 2030. ALMA remains committed to supporting AU Member States in their journey to eliminate all NTDs, leveraging tools like national scorecards to drive accountability, coordinate multisectoral action, and improve outcomes for communities across the continent.