The World Health Organization has officially recognized El Salvador for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone for the country and the region.
Key facts
- •El Salvador is the first country in Central America and the second in the Americas to be validated by the WHO for eliminating trachoma.
- •Assessments conducted between 2023 and 2026 found no evidence of active trachoma transmission or advanced cases in the population.
- •The elimination effort was supported by the Pan American Health Organization and the Embassy of Canada.
- •Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease that can lead to blindness through repeated infections and inward-turning eyelashes.
- •El Salvador joins 64 countries worldwide recognized by the WHO for eliminating at least one neglected tropical disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated El Salvador as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. This achievement follows a rigorous, multi-year assessment process conducted between 2023 and 2026, which found no evidence of active disease transmission in the country. El Salvador is now the first nation in Central America and the second in the Americas to reach this milestone.
By the numbers
Assessment and Validation Process
To confirm the elimination of the disease, El Salvador carried out targeted assessments in communities previously identified as having higher environmental and social risk factors. These investigations confirmed that no signs of trachoma were present in children, nor were there any advanced cases of the disease in adults. The validation process also documented the country's health system capacity to detect, investigate, and manage potential future cases, including the ability to treat trichiasis.
Strategies for Elimination
The country’s success was driven by a multisectoral approach that included strengthening primary health care and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. These efforts were supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Government of Canada through the Initiative for the Elimination of Trachoma in the Americas. The program also integrated visual acuity screenings and established long-term surveillance mechanisms to ensure the disease does not re-emerge.
Global and Regional Context
Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness and is strongly linked to poverty and limited access to basic services. While El Salvador has successfully eliminated the disease, it remains a public health concern in other parts of the Americas, including Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Peru. The WHO continues to work toward a global target of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem worldwide by 2030.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by WHO News.
