Prevalence of trachoma in a single community, 1975–2007

Abstract

Although the prevalence and severity of active trachoma in children have decreased significantly over the last 30 years in this community, trachoma still remains a significant public health problem. One third of the children have active trachoma, a figure in excess of the threshold set as a public health problem by the World Health Organization.

Trachoma in Australia: an update

“…However, the prevalence of trachoma in the worst affected communities has decreased some over time. In one community, the rates of trachoma in children have fallen from 59% in 1975 to 23% in 2007 . This decrease has occurred without the benefit of specific interventions and probably reflects a secular trend from the general improvements in hygiene, housing and health care.…”

Comparison of trichiasis recurrence after primary bilamellar tarsal rotation or anterior lamellar repositioning surgery performed for trachoma

“…Australia is the only developed country to have trachoma as a public health issue . Although decreasing, the prevalence is still above the threshold set by the WHO to represent a serious public health problem . The rates of trichiasis (TT) and corneal opacity in adults in some Indigenous communities have been shown to be between 6% and 14%, and between 2% and 3%, respectively …”

“…8 Although decreasing, the prevalence is still above the threshold set by the WHO to represent a serious public health problem. 3, [9][10][11][12] The rates of trichiasis (TT) and corneal opacity in adults in some Indigenous communities have been shown to be between 6% and 14%, and between 2% and 3%, respectively. 10,13 In 1996, the WHO developed the 'SAFE' strategy to tackle trachoma, comprising surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental health improvements.…”

It's time to fill the glass!

“…In their article demonstrating a decrease in the prevalence of trachoma in a single aboriginal community from 1975 to 2007, Taylor and colleagues question whether the glass is half empty or half full 1 . Rather than considering that question, I propose that this information should be used to effect policy change to fill the glass and close the health disparity gap that still exists between indigenous and non‐indigenous Australians in relation to trachoma.…”

“…In their article demonstrating a decrease in the prevalence of trachoma in a single aboriginal community from 1975 to 2007, Taylor and colleagues question whether the glass is half empty or half full. 1 Rather than considering that question, I propose that this information should be used to effect policy change to fill the glass and close the health disparity gap that still exists between indigenous and nonindigenous Australians in relation to trachoma. Instead of filling space in journals on office shelves as suggested by Archie Roach's quote earlier, this information should be shared with appropriate individuals and organizations to direct resources to eliminate trachoma in Indigenous populations.…”