Australia becomes the 30th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a significant milestone in Indigenous health and in global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Trachoma, the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness, no longer represents a public health problem in the country.

Australia is among a growing number of countries that have successfully eliminated trachoma, contributing to global progress towards the targets set in the WHO NTD Roadmap 2021-2030.

Trachoma is caused by bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis and is spread by close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, and flies carrying eye and nose discharge. Repeated infections can lead to scarring of the eyelids, inward turning of the eyelashes, and eventually blindness if left untreated.

“WHO congratulates Australia on this important achievement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This success reflects continued commitment, strong partnerships and a focus on reaching the populations most affected by health inequities. It brings us closer to a world free from the suffering caused by trachoma.”

Australia’s journey to elimination

Australia’s achievement reflects decades of targeted public health action, particularly in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, where trachoma has persisted despite its earlier disappearance from the rest of the country.

National efforts were boosted by the establishment of the National Trachoma Management Program in 2006, which implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy: surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics to treat infections, promotion of facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement. Regular screening of all communities classified as at risk of trachoma by teams of qualified health workers was an important part of the Programme. Interventions were delivered through coordinated partnerships between federal and state governments, Aboriginal community-controlled health services and local communities.

Over time, continued screening, treatment and prevention activities, including improvements in housing, water, sanitation and hygiene, have led to a steady decline in the prevalence of trachoma. Australia’s approach has included adaptations to reflect its context, such as data-driven targeted treatment at the community level rather than mass drug administration, and strong integration with environmental health programs.

“The elimination of trachoma is a victory for eye health in communities across Australia, especially those whose lives are affected by this entirely preventable disease,” said Mark Butler, Australia’s Minister for Health and Ageing. “This major milestone is thanks to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, community commitment and sustained investment over many decades.

“The lessons from this work will inform how we approach other preventable health conditions in remote and regional Australia. Aboriginal community-controlled health organizations and local health workers have been central to this success, providing culturally safe care and community-led solutions.”

“This World Health Organization recognition reflects decades of work led by Aboriginal community-controlled health organizations, alongside local health workers in remote First Nations communities,” said Malarndirri McCarthy, Australia’s Minister for Indigenous Peoples. “Their work was instrumental in eliminating trachoma as a public health problem in Australia.”

Advancing global efforts against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)

Trachoma is one of 21 diseases and groups of diseases that the WHO considers NTDs. Collectively, NTDs affect more than 1 billion people worldwide, primarily in underserved populations with limited access to basic services such as clean water, sanitation, and health care.

Australia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem highlights the importance of sustained political commitment and cross-sectoral collaboration in addressing the underlying determinants of health. It also highlights the feasibility of eliminating trachoma even in geographically challenging environments.

In addition to trachoma, Australia has several endemic NTDs, including Buruli ulcer, leprosy and scabies. The validation of the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem marks the first time that WHO has validated the elimination of an NTD in Australia, which becomes the 63rd country in the world and the 16th.^th in the Western Pacific region to have eliminated at least one NTD.

“Tackling neglected tropical diseases in the Western Pacific region has long been a challenge for countries across the socioeconomic spectrum, given the complexity of reaching the most vulnerable communities, including remote areas,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “As a doctor in Tonga, I have experienced these challenges firsthand. But I also know that with strategic commitment backed by optimal health resources and partnerships, success is possible as other countries in our region have shown. I commend Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem and urge all involved to remain vigilant to ensure this status is maintained.”

WHO continues to support countries working to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs, ensuring that progress reaches those most in need and that gains are sustained through strong surveillance, appropriately integrated into national health systems and involved in the wider health sector and beyond.

Editor’s Notes

Neglected tropical diseases and efforts to eliminate trachoma

Neglected tropical diseases are associated with devastating health, social and economic consequences. Their burden is felt mainly among poor communities in tropical areas.