Trachoma is no longer considered a public health issue in Australia. Image: QAIHC
The World Health Organisation has declared trachoma eliminated as a public health problem in Australia.
The declaration was made in late April, with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulating Australia on the achievement.
“This success reflects sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and a focus on reaching populations most affected by health inequities,” he said.
Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of preventable blindness worldwide and was primarily found in remote First Nations communities.
In at risk communities, trachoma prevalence reduced in Indigenous children aged 5-9 years from 14.9% in 2009 to 1.5% in 2024.
Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the milestone reflected years of community-led work to keep Indigenous children healthy.
“Aboriginal community controlled health organisations and local health workers have driven the progress that has made elimination of trachoma possible,” she said.
“This is an important step in Closing the Gap in health outcomes. It shows that long term, community led solutions can and do deliver lasting change.”
