Australia Eliminates Trachoma as Public Health Problem, Says WHO
The World Health Organization has validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking the first time WHO has confirmed elimination of a neglected tropical disease (NTD) in Australia. Australia becomes the 30th country globally to achieve this milestone and the 63rd country overall to eliminate at least one NTD. Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer represents a public health problem in the country. Australia’s achievement reflects decades of targeted public health action, particularly in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where trachoma persisted despite its earlier disappearance from other areas. National efforts intensified with the establishment of the National Trachoma Management Programme in 2006, which implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy involving surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements. Over time, sustained screening, treatment, and improvements in housing, water, sanitation and hygiene led to a steady decline in trachoma prevalence. Australia’s approach included targeted treatment based on community-level data and strong integration with environmental health programmes, with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and local health workers central to the success. WHO congratulated Australia and noted that validation of elimination underscores the feasibility of eliminating trachoma even in geographically challenging settings.
What’s reported
WHO validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.
Australia is the 30th country to achieve this, and the 63rd country overall to eliminate at least one NTD.
Trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis and spreads through close contact, contaminated surfaces, and flies carrying eye and nose discharge.
Repeated infections can lead to eyelid scarring, inward-turning lashes, and blindness if untreated.
The National Trachoma Management Programme started in 2006, implementing the SAFE strategy (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, environment).
Interventions were delivered through partnerships between federal and state governments, Aboriginal community-controlled health services, and local communities.
Australia also has endemic NTDs including Buruli ulcer, leprosy, and scabies.
This is the first WHO-confirmed NTD elimination in Australia.
Key figures
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General (quoted)
Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing, Australia (quoted)
Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians (quoted)
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific (quoted)
Sources: World Health Organization
