Burundi declared free of trachoma: A milestone for eye health

Burundi has been officially recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, making it the eighth country in Africa and the 24th globally to reach this milestone.
This achievement is a significant step forward for thousands of families across the country, who are now free from the burden of a disease that once caused pain, blindness, and loss of independence.

What is trachoma?

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. It spreads through contact with infected eyes or faces, often in places with limited access to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Repeated infections cause scarring of the inner eyelid, eventually turning eyelashes inward. This advanced stage is called trachomatous trichiasis (TT).

However, trachoma is both preventable and treatable. This disease can be eliminated when communities receive the right tools—clean water, antibiotics, eye surgery, and health education.

What elimination really means

CBM is proud to have worked alongside the Ministry of Health and donors such as The END Fund to deliver sustainable, community-based solutions—ensuring access to treatment, surgery, and hygiene education in even the most hard-to-reach areas. This milestone is a powerful reminder that with sustained commitment, elimination is possible.

Dr. Babar Qureshi, Director, CBM Inclusive Health Initiative

Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem means that the number of people suffering from active infections and serious complications like TT has dropped below WHO’s required thresholds, and that systems are in place to keep it that way.

In Burundi, this result reflects years of hard work by local health workers, government officials, and partner organisations—all working hand in hand to improve their communities' health, dignity, and wellbeing. Grandparents can see their grandchildren. Farmers can work safely. Children can grow up free from the pain and stigma of eye disease.

CBM’s Role in the Journey

CBM has been a long-standing partner in this effort, working alongside Burundi’s Ministry of Health since 2007. Over the years, CBM supported:

Mass drug administration campaigns to treat and prevent 1,076,270 persons
Training of health workers to deliver safe and effective TT surgeries
Community education on hygiene, face washing, and environmental improvements

Technical and financial support together with the END Fund for the development and submission of the elimination dossier

A timeline of progress: how Burundi got here

The journey to elimination was not a straight line. It took nearly two decades of commitment, persistence, and adaptation. Here’s how the path unfolded:

A trained health worker examines a patient’s eyes for signs of trachoma in a rural community in Burundi. Regular screenings and prompt treatment are key components of the national strategy to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. A boy in Burundi. With trachoma now eliminated as a public health problem, children across the country can look forward to a future free from the threat of preventable blindness. A man smiles warmly in his community in Burundi. With trachoma now eliminated as a public health problem, people across the country can look ahead to healthier lives with restored vision and confidence. A mother smiles while weighing goods in her small shop, with her baby on her lap. With trachoma eliminated as a public health problem in Burundi, families like hers can now focus on building healthy, thriving futures. Children share a joyful moment in a rural community in Burundi. With trachoma now eliminated as a public health problem, the future is brighter for the next generation—free from the fear of preventable blindness.

A collective achievement

The Ministry of Health’s leadership was instrumental in maintaining momentum, even during periods of adversity. Health workers and community leaders reached people, including those in some of the hardest-to-reach areas, with information, treatment, and care. Global partners—such as WHO, WHO- ESPEN, CBM, and The END Fund—supported the programme with technical expertise, funding, and long-term commitment.

Ultimately, this milestone belongs to the people of Burundi. Communities took ownership—participating in treatment campaigns, promoting hygiene practices, and helping one another stay healthy.

“This is a proud and historic moment for Burundi—and for all of us committed to eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases. On behalf of CBM, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Burundi for achieving WHO validation of trachoma elimination. This success is the result of extraordinary partnership, determination, and long-term vision. We are deeply honored to have walked this path together with national and community leaders, health workers, and global partners. It shows what is possible when we invest in inclusive health systems that reach even the most marginalised. Together, we celebrate this milestone and look ahead with hope to a world free from avoidable blindness.”

Dr. Rainer Brockhaus, CBM CEO

“CBM extends our heartfelt congratulations to the Government of Burundi on the successful elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. This remarkable achievement is the culmination of years of targeted investment, strong local leadership, and effective partnerships.”

Dr. Babar Qureshi, Director, CBM Inclusive Health Initiative

What comes next?

CBM continues to collaborate with Burundi through support for the river blindness elimination programme. Our partnership with Burundi is part of a broader global effort to advance NTD elimination in Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn more about our work here.