Fiona Lange, University of Melbourne IEHU has provided an update on latest incidence data of trachoma in indigenous communities. This data for 2020 is contained in the Australian Trachoma Surveillance Report 2020 (unsw.edu.au).
In relation to the prevalence of trachoma in children in remote communities the report concludes:
This latest result is similar to previous. There remain many "hotspots" and justifies our continued involvement of Rotary Melbourne to help End Trachoma where our project partners have included Monash University, University of Melbourne, Telstra, Inpex, GHD, and other Rotary Clubs.
Volunteers from Monash University are currently assisting with downloading software for the third Interactive Water Trailer currently under construction in Geelong. When completed, this third unit will be based in Barkly Region of NT. Our continued emphasis is on WA and NT where trachoma continues to be a persistent problem. Delays to completion of construction of the third trailer continue to be a problem. However Monash University is being very helpful with access to student volunteers and facilities. Student volunteers will receive engagement credits.
By way of an update on the activities of the two Interactive Water Trailers we have produced to date, University of Melbourne has recently included mention of the trailers active engagement in NT and WA in their latest IEHU Newsletter (see extract from report below). They play an important role in health programs in many remote communities - including trachoma "hotspots".
By PP Peter Rogers
Interactive Water Trailers
Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Katherine West Health Board NT and Ngaanyatjarra Health WA are making hygiene education massive fun for kids with cooling squirty water games and music in 1,000 litre health promotion water trailer.
Community Health Days bring communities and all services together. KWHB’s trailer is in constant use and the NPY Women’s Council got their water trailer over to the recent Wanarn Carnival and Sports Day in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
Source: December 2022 IEHU Newsletter, University of Melbourne
