In Australia, trachoma has been eliminated as a public health problem, ending the presence of a preventable disease that once disproportionately affected remote communities.
“This success reflects sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and a focus on reaching populations most affected by health inequities,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
The achievement follows nearly two decades of focused national effort, particularly through the National Trachoma Management Programme launched in 2006. By combining targeted treatment, regular screening and improvements in housing, water and sanitation, delivered in close partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, the country steadily reduced infection rates where they had lingered longest. As the 30th country to reach this milestone, Australia’s progress underscores how tailored, community-led health strategies can close long-standing gaps and eliminate diseases even in hard-to-reach regions.
