El Salvador validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem

The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated El Salvador as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Trachoma is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness.

"I congratulate El Salvador on this remarkable achievement. It is a testament to the power of political commitment, strategic investment, and community engagement," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, "El Salvador's success is a vital step towards our global target of eliminating trachoma worldwide by 2030 and a clear signal that a healthier, more equitable future is within reach."

The validation follows a rigorous, multi-year process to determine whether trachoma was present as a public health problem in the country and to document the health system capacity to detect, investigate, and respond to any potential future cases.