In a significant step towards improving public health and eliminating preventable blindness, Egypt’s Ministry of Health and Population has launched a comprehensive campaign to prevent and treat trachoma, an infectious eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. This initiative, which began in April 2025, targets seven governorates across the country, reflecting Egypt’s ongoing commitment to combat one of the leading causes of preventable blindness worldwide.
Objective and National Strategy
The campaign is part of a national strategy outlined by the Egyptian government with the goal of declaring Egypt free of trachoma by 2027. The strategy is in line with global health objectives supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has identified trachoma as a major public health challenge in regions with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare. Egypt, in its bid to improve the quality of life for its citizens, has committed to eliminating the disease through a multi-phased approach.
Campaign Phases and Target Areas
The first phase of the campaign involves a rapid national assessment to determine the prevalence of trachoma in several governorates. The Ministry of Health chose four governorates—Gharbia, Menoufia, Beni Suef, and New Valley—based on specific scientific criteria that ensure a comprehensive representation of diverse living conditions and health circumstances across Egypt. These regions were selected to reflect a broad spectrum of socioeconomic backgrounds, including rural and urban areas, to better assess the extent of the disease and plan for effective interventions.
Amr Kandil, the Deputy Minister of Health and Population, explained that the initial phase aims to conduct screenings across 15 different health districts in these governorates. By identifying areas with high rates of trachoma, the Ministry will be able to implement more focused and effective measures in the following phases.
Expanding the Reach
The second phase of the campaign, which began in late April 2025, extends to the governorates of Sharqia, Minya, and Qena. This phase is expected to conclude by the end of April. The goal is to screen a larger population, focusing particularly on children aged one to nine years, who are most vulnerable to active trachoma infections.
Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, highlighted that the campaign is a demonstration of Egypt’s commitment to improving its citizens’ health outcomes. He emphasized that the initiative is an integral part of a larger national strategy designed to address several communicable diseases that contribute to the burden of preventable blindness in the country.
Importance of Early Detection and Screening
The campaign focuses heavily on early detection, particularly of trachoma’s most severe complications, such as trichiasis. Trichiasis occurs when the eyelid turns inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the cornea, leading to pain and, if untreated, permanent vision loss. Specialized medical teams are conducting screenings to identify both active trachoma infections and trichiasis cases, ensuring that individuals who are at risk receive timely treatment.
The screenings are particularly targeting children, who are the primary carriers of the infection, as well as adults who may suffer from the chronic consequences of the disease. Early treatment of trichiasis can prevent blindness, and addressing the source of the infection is key to controlling the spread of the disease.
Prevention and Hygiene Awareness
Rady Hammad, Head of the Preventive Medicine Sector, emphasized the critical role of proper hygiene in preventing trachoma. The disease is primarily transmitted through direct contact with contaminated personal items like towels or cosmetics, as well as through the fecal-oral route carried by flies. Flies can transfer the bacteria from the eyes of an infected person to others, making sanitation and hygiene crucial for halting its spread.
As part of the campaign, the Ministry is promoting better hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding face-touching, proper waste disposal, and personal cleanliness. Local communities, especially in rural and underserved areas, are being educated about the importance of maintaining these basic hygiene practices to prevent trachoma and other infectious diseases.
Amani El Habashi, Head of the Central Administration for Tropical Diseases and Disease Vectors, highlighted that community awareness is a cornerstone of the campaign. She stressed that educating people, particularly in villages and remote areas where the disease is more prevalent, is essential for the long-term success of the trachoma elimination strategy. The Ministry is deploying community health workers to engage with locals, raise awareness, and provide practical advice on preventing the spread of the disease.
Global Collaboration and Support
This ambitious campaign is not being carried out in isolation. Egypt’s Ministry of Health is collaborating closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement this program. The WHO has been instrumental in supporting the country’s efforts to eliminate trachoma and has provided technical assistance, guidance on best practices, and financial support for the initiative.
The success of this campaign will not only contribute to Egypt’s public health goals but also align with global efforts to eradicate trachoma by 2030. By addressing the root causes of the disease and ensuring that the population has access to necessary screenings and treatments, Egypt is making significant strides in its fight against preventable blindness.
Long-Term Impact and Steps
Looking ahead, the Egyptian Ministry of Health plans to continue its trachoma elimination efforts with a focus on sustaining public health education, improving healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring the availability of necessary medications and treatments. Additionally, the Ministry will monitor the effectiveness of the campaign through follow-up assessments and will adjust strategies as needed to reach the goal of trachoma elimination by 2027.
In conclusion, Egypt’s Ministry of Health’s launch of the trachoma elimination campaign is a significant step toward improving public health and preventing blindness. With ongoing assessments, screenings, and awareness campaigns, the government is taking proactive measures to combat this infectious disease, ultimately improving the lives of thousands of citizens across the country.
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