Australia eliminates trachoma endemic

The World Health Organization has confirmed Australia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem, a landmark achievement for people and communities and a significant step in preventing avoidable vision loss.
 
Trachoma is the world’s leading infectious cause of preventable blindness. In Australia, trachoma is found primarily in regional and remote First Nations communities, and most commonly in children.
 
Repeated infections with trachoma, especially during childhood, may lead to trichiasis, where scarring causes the eyelashes to turn inwards and damage the surface of the eye and can lead to loss and blindness.
 
In communities identified as being at risk, trachoma prevalence has reduced in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5-9 years from 14.9% in 2009 to 1.5% in 2024.
 
This is a huge milestone and reflects decades of community-led effort by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), medical professionals and health workers in bi-partisan partnership with consecutive Commonwealth, state and territory governments.
 
No one in Australia should experience avoidable vision loss, and this work brings us closer to a more equitable health system. Addressing trachoma is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to closing the gap in health outcomes and ensuring preventable disease does not limit opportunity.
 
While this is an important achievement, we need to remain vigilant to avoid the re-emergence of trachoma. The Albanese Government remains committed to supporting communities to maintain elimination and protect eye health, with the lessons from this work helping to shape how we tackle other preventable health conditions in remote and regional Australia.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
 
“The elimination of trachoma in Australia marks a major milestone for the eye health of our communities.
 
“In the real world, it is helping to protect sight, wellbeing and quality of life from this preventable disease.
 
“I particularly thank the community members, community leaders and ACCHOs for their commitment and leadership to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.
 
“Elimination was achieved through partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and it will only be sustained the same way.”
 
Quotes attributable to Minister McCarthy:
 
“This milestone reflects years of community‑led work to keep Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children healthy.
 
“Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and local health workers have driven the progress that has made elimination of trachoma possible.
 
“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.”
 
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
 
“Eliminating trachoma as a public health problem is a significant moment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It means children can grow up with healthy eyesight, without this preventable disease being part of their lives or their future. 
 
“Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, local health workers and community groups have driven this work, organising screening in schools, supporting treatment and working with families. It’s their care, their persistence, and leadership that has made elimination possible. 
 
“Reaching elimination is a significant step, but it’s just as important that we protect what has been achieved and continue to support community-led health outcomes."
 
Quotes attributable to National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation CEO, Dawn Casey:
 
“I would like to congratulate the ACCHOs for their significant contribution to eliminating Trachoma. 
 
“They, together with the assistance from the Australian Government and Professor Hugh Taylor, have worked together over decades to achieve this. 
 
“Our ACCHOs will remain vigilant and continue their work to monitor for any potential outbreaks across our communities.”