Trachoma and trichiasis treatment coverage

Measures 3.8.1 and 3.8.2: The estimated number, and proportion of:

  • Community members who were treated in communities where active trachoma was identified
  • Indigenous adults with trichiasis who were treated.

The screening and treatment frequency for trachoma in at-risk communities is based on the trachoma prevalence rate. Treatment for trichiasis is important for preventing vision loss.

Figure 3.8.1 amd 3.8.2: Trachoma and trichiasis treatment coverage

There are 3 separate charts for this measure by various characteristics.

Community members where active trachoma was identified who were treated by age, 2021

This dual axis combined vertical bar chart and scatter plot displays the number and percentage of active trachoma cases treated in 2021, by age. The chart shows that a total of 1,666 Indigenous Australians with active trachoma received treatment for the condition, a rate of 71%. This included 177 children aged 0–4 (67%), 204 aged 5–9 (72%) and 234 aged 10–14 (78%) and 1,051 Indigenous young Australians and adults aged 15 years and over (71%).

Community members where active trachoma was identified who were treated by jurisdiction, 2021

This dual axis combined vertical bar chart and scatter plot displays the percentage and number of active trachoma cases treated in 2021, by jurisdiction. The chart shows that the proportion of Indigenous Australians with active trachoma who received treatment was 71% in Western Australia (602 people), 84% in South Australia (42 people), and 71% in the Northern Territory (628 people). In Queensland there were no cases with active trachoma.

Community members where active trachoma was identified who were treated 2011 to 2021

This dual axis combined line chart and scatter plot shows the percentage and number of active trachoma cases treated between 2011 and 2021. The chart shows that, in this period, the proportion of Indigenous Australians with active trachoma who received treatment rose from 65%, peaking at 90% in 2014 and declining to 71% in 2021. The number of Indigenous Australians requiring treatment for trachoma rose from 6,175, peaking at 11,448 in 2016 and declining to 1,666 in 2021.

  • In 2021, in communities where active trachoma was identified, a total of 1,666 community members received treatment, a rate of 71%. This included 177 children aged 0–4 (67%), 204 aged 5–9 (72%), 234 aged 10–14 (78%) and 1,051 (71%) community members aged 15 and over.
  • Between 2011 and 2021, in communities where active trachoma was identified, the proportion of community members who received treatment rose from 65% in 2011 to 90% in 2014. The proportion who received treatment has generally declined over time since then, to 71% in 2021.
  • In 2021, in the 4 jurisdictions with at-risk communities, 8 of the 13 (62%) Indigenous adults aged 40 and over with trichiasis had surgery in the past 12 months. Four of the 8 surgeries took place in Western Australia.
  • Between 2012 and 2021, the number of Indigenous adults aged 40 and over who had surgery for trichiasis rose from 16 adults in 2012 to 31 in 2013. The number of surgeries has generally declined over time since then, to 8 in 2021.
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