logo
Burundi eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

Burundi eliminates trachoma as a public health problem

Zawya11-07-2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Burundi as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the eighth country in WHO's African Region to reach this important milestone. Trachoma is also the first neglected tropical disease (NTD) to be eliminated in the country.
'Eliminating a disease like trachoma is a major public health achievement that requires sustained effort and dedication,' said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. 'I congratulate the government and the people of Burundi and commend them for their hard work and commitment. It is great to see Burundi join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one NTD'.
Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through personal contact, contaminated surfaces and by flies that have been in contact with eye or nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to scarring, in-turning of the eyelids, and ultimately blindness. Globally, the disease remains endemic in many vulnerable communities where access to clean water and sanitation is limited.
'This validation marks a major milestone in our commitment to health equity', said Dr Lydwine Baradahana, Minister of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, Burundi. 'It is a collective victory made possible by nearly 20 years of national mobilization and international solidarity. I thank all the partners, community actors and institutions in Burundi and beyond who made this historic achievement possible'.
Burundi's progress
Before 2007, with no reported cases or epidemiological studies, the extent of trachoma endemicity in Burundi was largely unknown. That year, the country launched an initiative to tackle NTDs, which included integrated mapping of soil-transmitted helminthiases, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis and trachoma. Following the mapping, the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS conducted further investigations. Baseline surveys carried out in 2009–2010 confirmed that trachoma was endemic in parts of the country. This prompted introduction of interventions based on the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy for 2.5 million people who needed them across 12 health districts.
Burundi's trachoma elimination programme was supported technically and financially by CBM Christoffel Blindenmission, the END Fund, Geneva Global and WHO. The International Trachoma Initiative at the Task Force for Global Health donated azithromycin (Zithromax, Pfizer, New York NY, USA). WHO continues to support support the country's health authorities to monitor communities in which trachoma was previously endemic to ensure there is no resurgence of the disease.
This achievement reflects the government's resolve to protect its most vulnerable populations. Under the leadership of the Ministry of Public Health and the Fight Against AIDS, and with the dedication of community health workers, support from key partners, and WHO's technical guidance, this success was made possible' said Dr Xavier Crespin, WHO Representative in Burundi. 'This win inspires us to press forward with the same determination to eliminate all remaining neglected tropical diseases.'
Disease prevalence
Trachoma remains a public health problem in 32 countries with an estimated 103 million people living in areas requiring interventions against the disease. Trachoma is found mainly in the poorest and most rural areas of Africa, Central and South America, Asia, the Western Pacific and the Middle East.
The African Region is disproportionately affected by trachoma with 93 million people living in at-risk areas in April 2024, representing 90% of the global trachoma burden. Significant progress has been made in the fight against trachoma over the past few years and the number of people requiring antibiotic treatment for trachoma in the African Region fell by 96 million from 189 million in 2014 to 93 million as of April 2024, representing a 51% reduction.
There are currently 20 countries in WHO's African Region that are known to require intervention for trachoma elimination. These include: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The seven countries in the region previously validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania and Togo. A further 4 countries in the WHO African Region (Botswana, Guinea-Bissau, Namibia and Senegal) claim to have achieved the prevalence targets for elimination.
Global progress
With today's announcement, a total of 57 countries have now eliminated at least one NTD. Of these, 24— (including Burundi)—have successfully eliminated trachoma as a public health problem. Other countries that have reached this milestone include Benin, Cambodia, China, Gambia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Ghana, India, Iraq, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Togo, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Meets Mauritius Minister of Gender Equality & Family Welfare to Launch "Educating Linda" Program, Supporting Education of 20 Deserving yet Underprivileged Mauritian Schoolgirls Girls Until Graduation
Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Meets Mauritius Minister of Gender Equality & Family Welfare to Launch "Educating Linda" Program, Supporting Education of 20 Deserving yet Underprivileged Mauritian Schoolgirls Girls Until Graduation

Zawya

time14 hours ago

  • Zawya

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Meets Mauritius Minister of Gender Equality & Family Welfare to Launch "Educating Linda" Program, Supporting Education of 20 Deserving yet Underprivileged Mauritian Schoolgirls Girls Until Graduation

During the visit to the country, Merck Foundation CEO also met the Mauritius President to share the impact of their 100 Scholarships for Mauritian Doctors in partnership with Ministry of Health. Dr. Rasha Kelej during her meeting with the Mauritius President, strengthened partnership to improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare and Empower Women in STEM. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej also met the Mauritius Minister of Gender Equality&Family Welfare to share the impact of their programs to address critical social issues like supporting girl education and Ending Gender Based Violence in the country. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation ( the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany met Hon'ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare during a high-level meeting, to share the impact of their programs and underscore their long-term commitment to address critical social issues in Mauritius. During her visit, she also met H.E. MR. DHARAMBEER GOKHOOL, The President of Republic of Mauritius, to share the impact of their 100 Scholarships for Mauritian Doctors in partnership with Ministry of Health and underscore their long-term commitment to transform public healthcare in Mauritius. Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of 'More Than a Mother' Campaign emphasized, 'It was a great honor to meet Hon'ble Ms. Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare and share with her the impact of our partnership and programs since 2017 that aim to transform patient care, build healthcare and media capacity, to empower women in STEM, support girl education and raise awareness about social and health issues in Mauritius and the rest of Africa. I am very happy to share that together with the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, we are launching our Educating Linda Program in the country, as a part of which we will be supporting the education of 20 high performing yet underprivileged Mauritian schoolgirls, till they graduate. Through this, we will be empowering them to complete their studies and reach their full potential.' Merck Foundation has provided 100 scholarships for Mauritian doctors in 44 critical and under-served specialties. 'During my meeting with H.E. MR. DHARAMBEER GOKHOOL, The President of Republic of Mauritius, we also discussed the possibility of providing specialized training for Mauritian doctors in innovative and emerging fields such as Stem Cell Therapy in pathology, CAR T-cell treatment, AI in Radiology, Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology, Robotic Surgical Oncology, Neurology, Nephrology, Urology, and Neurosurgery. We are strongly committed to work closely with Ministry of Health to improve access to innovative and equitable healthcare solutions', added Dr. Kelej. The 100 scholarships for local Mauritian Doctors have been provided for One-Year PG Diploma and Two-year Master Degrees in many critical specialties including Fertility, Embryology, Sexual&Reproductive Care, Oncology, Preventative Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Acute Medicine, Respiratory, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Neuroimaging for Research, Sexual&Reproductive Care, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Ophthalmology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, Critical Care, Neonatal Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Advanced Cytopathology and many more. Merck Foundation has so far provided more than 2280 scholarships for young doctors from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, with many of them becoming the first specialists in their countries. During her visit, Merck Foundation CEO also met the Senior Officials from the Office of Hon'ble Minister of Health, Mauritius. Merck Foundation also conducted the 4 th Edition of their Health Media Training for the Mauritian Media Representatives in partnership with Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius. The training session was conducted to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence society to create a cultural shift with the aim to address wide range of social and health issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, Stopping GBV, Diabetes and Hypertension awareness. It was co-chaired by Merck Foundation CEO and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mauritius. During the training session, the Call for Application for 8 important Merck Foundation Awards were announced for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields. The award announced are: Merck Foundation Africa Media Recognition Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025, in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels. Submission deadline: 30 th September 2025. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025, in partnership with Academy of Design and Innovation, Mauritius: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels. Submission deadline: 30 th September 2025. Merck Foundation Film Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels. Submission deadline: 30 th September 2025. Merck Foundation Song Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels. Submission deadline: 30 th September 2025. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension', in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension', in partnership with Academy of Design and Innovation, Mauritius: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 'Diabetes&Hypertension': All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30 th October 2025. Entries for the above awards can be submitted to us at: submit@ For information on the above awards, please visit our website: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: Mehak Handa Community Awareness Program Manager Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669 Email: Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: X: YouTube: Instagram: Threads: Flickr: Website: Download Merck Foundation App: About Merck Foundation: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare&scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook ( X ( Instagram ( YouTube ( Threads ( and Flickr ( The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.

Ten Palestinians reported dead from hunger in Gaza over past 24 hours
Ten Palestinians reported dead from hunger in Gaza over past 24 hours

The National

time16 hours ago

  • The National

Ten Palestinians reported dead from hunger in Gaza over past 24 hours

At least 10 people have died from starvation in Gaza over the past 24 hours, health officials said on Wednesday. The deaths take the total to 111 Palestinians − including at least 80 children − killed by hunger since the start of the Israel-Gaza war almost 22 months ago, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. This came as more than 100 aid organisations and human rights groups, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Save the Children and Oxfam, warned that ' mass starvation ' was spreading in the Palestinian enclave. The head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said a "large proportion" of the population of Gaza was starving. I don't know what you would call it other than mass starvation - and it's man-made," said t On Tuesday, Dr Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza city, said 21 children had died from malnutrition and starvation in the previous three days. The plight of Gazans trying to collect aid is worsened by the dangers involved. The UN said this week that since late May, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military while waiting for supplies. On Wednesday, four people were killed by Israeli forces near a distribution point in the central Wadi Gaza area, reported official Palestinian news agency Wafa. Gaza city resident Hassouna Al Badri told The National that hunger is forcing desperate people to risk their lives and gather at aid centres rumoured to be receiving flour shipments. But securing supplies is still not guaranteed. 'I stayed there for hours but I came back home empty-handed,' he said. 'People were pushing each other, they don't care what's around them. Even with gunfire everywhere, people are desperate, they are hungry and have no other options.' Mr Al Badri said he would not take the risk again, despite the dire food situation. On the market, one kilogram of flour costs about 70 shekels ($21). "I can't afford that every two days," he said. "We need a mechanism that guarantees aid reaches the warehouses of international organisations. Otherwise, we'll never get our share.' Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where more than two million people are facing severe food shortages. It flatly denies blocking the entry of supplies, claiming on Wednesday that aid from 700 lorries is inside Gaza and ready for international agencies to collect and distribute it. The Foreign Ministry also said "close to 4,500 trucks entered Gaza, including flour for bakeries and 2,500 tonnes of baby food and high-calorie special food for children', without specifying the period in which these deliveries took place. However, humanitarian organisations say many warehouses filled with aid are just outside the territory and subject to Israeli entry controls. For warehouses inside Gaza, the NGOs are blocked from accessing and delivering the supplies, they say. Israel has also denied the claims of large-scale starvation, accusing Hamas of looting aid and blocking its distribution. But the UN says Israel's restrictions and rejections of permits are the main reason for mounting stockpiles at border crossings. The UN said on Tuesday that 1,054 people have been killed by Israeli forces while trying to obtain food since late May. It said 766 people were killed while heading to sites run by the US and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The UN and NGOs have refused to be involved in GHF operations, with senior officials describing them as 'death traps'. Gaza city resident Um Mohannad Filfil, 55, had one son killed and another injured while trying to bring home a sack of flour. The mother of six also lost her husband to an air strike earlier in the war. 'After I lost my son, I will never let my other son go again to bring flour,' she said through tears. 'I can't afford the prices of food any more. What should we do? I don't even have a place to stay after losing my home and business. 'I need to take care of my wounded son, I must think about how to feed my family. We need the world to see us, to save us.' The UN's efforts to co-ordinate aid have been curtailed, especially with growing restrictions on the organisation's Palestinian agency UNRWA, which has extensive experience and infrastructure from large-scale distribution work in Gaza since 1948. Abed Al Raheem Nazer, 60, believes the only group that can manage aid distribution is UNRWA. 'Other organisations lack the trust and capacity,' the Gaza city resident said. 'My son tried to reach the trucks, but he couldn't get any flour. The crowds were massive and the area was too dangerous. If things continue like this, I don't know how we will manage to get food.' As the situation worsens, the international community faces growing pressure to act. But for families like Ms Filfil's, any solution may come too late. 'What is happening can't be imagined,' she said. 'This war must end. We need help, real help, before more of us are lost.'

Unicef, World Bank join forces with South Africa for pandemic readiness
Unicef, World Bank join forces with South Africa for pandemic readiness

Zawya

time17 hours ago

  • Zawya

Unicef, World Bank join forces with South Africa for pandemic readiness

A mechanism set to support pandemic preparedness in low- and middle-income countries is set to be launched later this week. The Department of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), will officially launch the Pandemic Fund. As the project lead for this initiative, the Department of Health aims to strengthen South Africa's capacity to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics. According to the joint statement, the launch, scheduled for Thursday in Pretoria, represents a significant milestone in global health security efforts. The Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank, is a global financing mechanism that provides catalytic funding to support pandemic preparedness and response in low- and middle-income countries. 'South Africa's engagement through this project reinforces its leadership and commitment to advancing health system resilience,' the statement read. The launch will feature keynote remarks from national and international leaders, the unveiling of South Africa's Pandemic Fund implementation strategy, a panel discussion on pandemic preparedness, and opportunities for media engagement and networking with key stakeholders. The gathering will feature senior officials from various departments, including Health, Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, as well as Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment. Representatives from the WHO, Unicef, FAO, the Pandemic Fund Secretariat, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media will also be present. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store