Burundi has been validated by the World Health Organization as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. It is the 8th country in the WHO African Region and the 24th country globally to achieve this milestone.Trachoma was determined to be a public health problem in Burundi following rapid trachoma assessments and baseline prevalence surveys from 2007–2010. Survey results showed that 12 districts had a TF prevalence above 5% in children ages 1–9, which led to the implementation of the WHO-endorsed SAFE strategy. It was determined that trachomatous trichiasis, the blinding stage of trachoma, was not a public health problem in any district in the country; therefore, a surgical campaign was not required.In 2011, Burundi began implementation of antibiotic mass drug administration (MDA) using azithromycin donated by Pfizer Inc. through the International Trachoma Initiative. Burundi consistently achieved high therapeutic coverage, including 95% of the estimated resident population treated in the last MDA campaign in Gashoho health district in 2019.Fixed and mobile distribution sites were used to implement MDA. At fixed sites, trained nurses administered azithromycin to individuals who visited local health centers. Mobile sites were set up in schools, where teachers or school principals oversaw the treatment of students. Additionally, community health workers conducted door-to-door visits to encourage participation. Community mobilization efforts employed a variety of communication channels, including radio broadcasts, posters, announcements in churches and mosques, town criers, and face-to-face health education sessions.To reduce transmission and sustain trachoma elimination, messages on face and hand washing with soap and water were developed and disseminated nationwide through a variety of stakeholders, including the Directorate of Health Promotion, Healthcare Demand and Community and Environmental Health, as well as religious leaders, teachers, and community health workers. Since 2009, the Government of Burundi has also implemented a community-led total sanitation approach to put an end to open defecation and increase community access to sanitation. The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Burundi is testament to the commitment of the people of Burundi who mobilized at all levels to ensure successful implementation of trachoma interventions. Strong political will, as well as collaboration across sectors, including education and WASH, contributed to a rapid reduction in trachoma and the ultimate achievement of elimination as a public  health problem. ICTC heartily congratulates the Government of Burundi and all stakeholders involved – Michaela Kelly  Significant progress is being made toward the global elimination of trachoma, including a 93% reduction in the number of people at risk, from 1.5 billion in 2002 to 103 million as of April 2024. In November 2020, WHO Member States endorsed the global road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030, which targets trachoma for global elimination as a public health problem by 2030. Following a trachoma funding gap analysis completed in 2025, ICTC estimates that between $268–334 million is needed to fill existing funding gaps in support of the 2030 target.Other countries validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are: Benin, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Ghana, India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam.The elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Burundi was supported by several ICTC members and observers, including: CBM, END Fund, International Trachoma Initiative, London School of Hygiene &amp; Tropical Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Tropical Data and WHO.

Burundi eliminates trachoma as a public health problem 

Mauritania and Papua New Guinea eliminate trachoma as a public health problem

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Photo: The Fred Hollows Foundation

​​Viet Nam eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

India eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

Pakistan eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

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Community members in the Oromia region of Ethiopia wash their hands and faces with clean water from a protected well

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Benin and Mali validated for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem

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Togo eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

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Jeremiah Ngondi, a Master Grader with RTI International, examines a child's eyes for trachoma. Photo: RTI International



USAID launches $300m program to tackle neglected tropical diseases in 13 countries

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Ghana becomes the first country in WHO Africa Region to eliminate trachoma

Credit: RTI International/Nabin Baral. Members of the survey team, Bishal Dhakal and Shravan Subedi, check the eye of Radha Thapa for clinical signs of trachoma.

Nepal eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

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Trachoma screening in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Photo courtesy of USAID.



Cambodia and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic officially eliminate trachoma as a public health problem

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Kofu Nyarko, an NTD survivor, presents Dr Chan with a scarf patterned with vectors and pathogens responsible for causing NTDs to thank her for her work to advance the fight against the diseases




Dr Margaret Chan ends term as WHO Director General

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