For more than a century, Senegal has been afflicted with trachoma, a bacterial eye illness that can cause permanent blindness.
Initially documented in the early 1900s, countrywide surveys conducted in the 1980s and 1990s verified it as a major cause of blindness.
Senegal responded by joining WHO’s Global Elimination of Trachoma campaign in 1998, and it has been actively fighting the illness ever since.
Over the last two decades, Senegal has established a thorough and consistent response.
By 2000, it had undertaken its first national trachoma survey and planned to achieve comprehensive disease mapping by 2017 with assistance from the Global Trachoma Mapping Project and Tropical Data.
“I commend Senegal for freeing its population from this disease”, said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“This milestone is yet another sign of the remarkable progress being made against neglected tropical diseases globally, and offers hope to other countries still working to eliminate trachoma.”
Senegal’s breakthrough with trachoma
The illness was gradually incorporated into larger national eye health initiatives through the National Program for Blindness Prevention (PNLC) and, later, the National Program for the Promotion of Eye Health (PNPSO).
The execution of WHO’s SAFE plan, which includes surgery, antibiotics, facial hygiene, and environmental improvement, was key to the success.
Senegal reached 2.8 million individuals in 24 regions thanks to foreign partners.
The project comprised surgical treatments to treat the late-stage effects of trachoma, widespread distribution of the antibiotic azithromycin, which Pfizer provided through the International Trachoma project, broad public awareness campaigns, and improvements to water and sanitation facilities.
“Trachoma has cast a shadow over communities in Senegal for more than a century. 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.
“Today, we close a chapter that began over a hundred years ago, united with pride, gratitude and resolve.
WHO remains committed to supporting Senegal as the country continues to lead in sustaining this hard-earned achievement.”
This accomplishment comes after Senegal eliminated dracunculiasis (Guinea worm disease) in 2004.
With trachoma gone, Senegal strengthens its position as a pioneer in combating neglected tropical illnesses.
Senegal joins a group of 24 nations that have eradicated trachoma, including Ghana, India, Morocco, and Cambodia.
In all, 57 nations have eliminated at least one neglected tropical illness, indicating an increasing worldwide momentum for disease management and public health fairness.
Senegal’s success is the result of long-term dedication, smart alliances, and community-level influence, as well as medical accomplishment.
