The World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Australia for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem, making it the 30th country to reach this milestone, according to a news release issued on 29 April 2026. The announcement, shared from Geneva, Manila, and Canberra, marks a significant step forward for Indigenous health and the global fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Trachoma, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, remains the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. The validation confirms that the disease no longer represents a public health problem in Australia. The achievement aligns with targets set out in the WHO road map for NTDs 2021–2030.
Trachoma spreads through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, and flies carrying eye and nose discharge. Repeated infections can scar the eyelids, turn eyelashes inward, and ultimately cause blindness if left untreated. In Australia, the disease persisted in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities long after disappearing from the rest of the country. National efforts intensified with the establishment of the National Trachoma Management Programme in 2006. The program implemented the WHO-recommended SAFE strategy: surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement.
Regular screening of at-risk communities by qualified health workers was a central component of the program. Interventions were delivered through coordinated partnerships between federal and state governments, Aboriginal community-controlled health services, and local communities. Sustained screening, treatment, and prevention activities, including improvements in housing, water, sanitation, and hygiene, drove a steady decline in prevalence. Australia’s approach included targeted treatment based on community-level data rather than mass drug administration. The model was strongly integrated with environmental health programs.
“WHO congratulates Australia on this important achievement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, noting that the success reflects sustained commitment, strong partnerships, and a focus on populations most affected by health inequities. Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing, credited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, community commitment, and decades of sustained investment. Malarndirri McCarthy, Minister for Indigenous Australians, highlighted the role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and local health workers in remote First Nations communities. Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, urged all involved to remain vigilant to maintain the achievement. He emphasized that success is possible with strategic commitment, optimal resources, and partnerships.
Trachoma is one of 21 diseases and disease groups classified by WHO as NTDs, which affect more than 1 billion people worldwide. Australia also has several endemic NTDs, including Buruli ulcer, leprosy, and scabies. This validation marks the first WHO-confirmed NTD elimination in Australia, which becomes the 63rd country globally and 16th in the Western Pacific Region to eliminate at least one NTD. WHO continues to support countries working to eliminate trachoma and other NTDs through strong surveillance integrated into national health systems. The global target of eliminating trachoma as a public health problem worldwide is now set for 2030.
