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The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) congratulates the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on receiving World Health Organization (WHO) validation for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.

Mauritania becomes the seventh African Union Member State, after Benin, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Gambia, and Togo to reach this milestone. It is also the second neglected tropical disease (NTD) the country has eliminated, following certification as free from dracunculiasis (guinea-worm disease) transmission in 2009.

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness globally, responsible for visual impairment in 1.4 million people. Africa remains the most affected region, requiring some of the most intensive control efforts.

In Mauritania, the fight against trachoma began in the 1960s. Progress has been driven by strong government leadership, the dedication of health workers, the involvement of communities, and support from partners.

With Mauritania’s success, 20 countries across Africa are now working toward trachoma elimination. Encouragingly, the number of people in need of antibiotics for trachoma in the African Region has decreased by 96 million, dropping from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million in 2024 – a 51% reduction.

Mauritania’s achievement adds to the global momentum toward NTD elimination. To date, 56 countries have eliminated at least one NTD globally, and in Africa, 23 have achieved this significant milestone; a testament to what is possible through political will, sustained investment, and collaboration.

Mauritania’s success fuels progress toward the WHO goal of eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease in 100 countries by 2030 and Africa’s Continental Framework for the Control and Elimination of NTDs by 2030.