Key findings
Key findings:
- In 2020, 98 remote communities were identified as being at risk of trachoma, of which nearly all or 98% required and received screening and/or treatment according to current guidelines.
- A total of 2,177 children aged 5–9 years in at risk communities across Australia were examined for trachoma, a screening coverage of 91%.
- The overall prevalence of trachoma in children aged 5–9 years was 3.8% nationally; and 5.3% in the Northern Territory, 0.0% in Queensland, 0.5% in South Australia and 4.6% in Western Australia.
- 3,752 doses of the antibiotic azithromycin were distributed for the treatment of trachoma Australia-wide, with a treatment coverage of 70%.
- Overall, 14,484 persons aged 15 years and over were examined for trichiasis (a severe consequence of trachoma infections that requires surgery to correct), with new trichiasis cases confirmed in 0.1% of those screened.
