Rotary Down Under June 2025
SINCE 2016, the Rotary End Trachoma initiative has partnered with Monash University, the University of Melbourne, Inpex and GHD Engineering, Architecture & Construction Services to eliminate Trachoma in remote Australian communities.
"The goal is to eliminate this highly infectious but avoidable eye disease, which affects children from Indigenous communities," said Dr Peter Rogers AM, of the Rotary Club of Melbourne, Vic. "Many of them start with the best eyesight and end up with the worst."
Dr Rogers is Emeritus Chairman of Monash Engineering and IT Foundation and on the Board of the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute at Monash University.
Professor Hugh Taylor AC, formerly with the University of Melbourne, has also been instrumental in this project.
Monash and GHD have designed and constructed interactive water trailers with initial designs by students. These trailers have the capability to reach trachoma hotspots.
There, with health professionals, they are very effective in engagement and have changed face washing habits . Current trailers are focussed on the Northern Territory and are based in Alice Springs and at the Katherine West Health Board.
In the 10 years since the project launched, trachoma has been eliminated from South Australia, where it had been endemic in APY lands. However, it remains an issue in the Northern Territory, where current efforts are focused. End Trachoma partners are working with Katherine West Health Board and Anyinginy Health in Tennant Creek.
Latest figures show prevalence of 8.3 per cent in five- to nine-year-olds in remote communities. During recent screenings, 57 children were detected with trachoma.
"The latest trachoma incidence data indicates we are on the way to elimination of trachoma from Indigenous communities," Dr Rogers said. Rotary and Monash can be proud of their role in this achievement."
