One year ago today, a nation, perhaps even the world, was forever altered. 10 years of work culminated in one earth shattering moment. Now, it is time to reflect on this fateful day, one year after Australia approved the first chlamydia vaccine for koalas. This watershed moment in global news marked a fight back against a deadly disease ravaging the continent’s beloved, endangered marsupials. 

After over a decade of research and eight clinical trials, Australia approved a single-dose vaccine that reduces Chlamydia mortality among koalas by an estimated 65%. Prior to this achievement, koalas faced death or a cumbersome antibiotic treatment that could cause starvation. This breakthrough turned a new page on the sexual health of brave species, who have endured deforestation, wildfire, and depopulation. One year later, they have one less threat to their species, and that is an anniversary worth celebrating, reflecting upon, and keeping all the koalas who did not make it to see this miracle in our thoughts.