Australian Trachoma Surveillance Report 2024

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Trachoma remains a significant infectious cause of preventable blindness globally.
• In Australia, trachoma persists as a public health issue in remote Indigenous communities.
• Elimination requires sustained low prevalence of trachoma and trachomatous trichiasis (TT).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess Australia's eligibility for World Health Organization (WHO) validation of trachoma elimination.
• To report on trachoma and TT prevalence in formerly endemic regions of Australia in 2024.

Main Methods:

• Trachoma screening conducted in 86 remote Indigenous communities in 2024.
• Assessment followed World Health Organization (WHO) grading criteria.
• Surveillance data collected on trachoma and previously undiagnosed TT prevalence.

Main Results:

• Overall trachoma prevalence was 2.1% (Northern Territory), 0% (South Australia), and 1.3% (Western Australia).
• Only nine previously unknown TT cases were reported across multiple states and territories.
• Australia met the elimination thresholds for trachoma and TT.

Conclusions:

• Australia is eligible for WHO validation of trachoma elimination as a public health problem.
• Sustained efforts in housing, environmental conditions, and accessible healthcare are crucial for maintaining elimination.
• Indigenous leadership is vital for community ownership and accountability in disease control.