Australia eliminates trachoma, becomes 30th country to end disease as public health problem, Nigeria not validated

Health

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, marking a major milestone in global efforts to combat neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and in improving the health of Indigenous communities.

Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. Repeated infections can scar eyelids, turn eyelashes inward, and ultimately cause blindness if untreated. WHO Director‑General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Australia, saying the achievement reflects “sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and a focus on reaching populations most affected by health inequities.”

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 the rest of the country. Efforts intensified in 2006 with the launch of the National Trachoma Management Programme, which implemented WHO’s SAFE strategy — surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement. Sustained screening, treatment, and prevention activities, alongside improvements in housing, water, sanitation, and hygiene, steadily reduced prevalence.

Health Minister Mark Butler hailed the milestone as “a win for the eye health of communities across Australia,” while Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy emphasized the leadership of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations in achieving elimination.

Australia becomes the 63rd country globally and the 16th in the Western Pacific Region to eliminate at least one NTD. WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, commended Australia’s achievement and urged vigilance to maintain the status. WHO continues to support countries working toward the global target of eliminating trachoma by 2030.

Other countries validated by WHO as having eliminated trachoma as a public health problem are: Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Iran, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Togo, Vanuatu, and Viet Nam.