EndTrachoma by 2020, A five-year Rotary districts of Australia project
The world around us, our environment, provides a reflection of our state of being. It mirrors who we are or what we have become. One reflection that Australia is yet to deal with is the state of Aboriginal health and wellbeing, especially in remote communities. In 2016, Australia was the worlds last developed country not to have eliminated Trachoma, a blinding infectious and totally preventable eye disease affecting some of our Aboriginal communities. When a group of Rotarians got on board, they didn’t send medications out into communities, they sent mirrors.
Projects were developed through partnerships with the Australian Trachoma Alliance, as well as indigenous communities, government and NGOs.
“Over the following years, we observed, listened and found ways that Rotary could support communities living under this threat. One observation was that mirrors weren’t a priority; many homes didn’t have one. Children were being told to wash their faces to prevent Trachoma but they couldn’t actually see what needed washing. Our Mirrors in All Homes project was born and it has been in strong demand,” said Lien.
Over 7,000 mirrors have been installed in communities across South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory through Rotary’s partnerships with environmental health partners.
Rotary clubs across Australia continue to provide access to hygiene and sanitation opportunities through donations.
“Each iteration of our project aims to be better than the one before. Hygiene infrastructure appropriate for remote communities has been carefully considered and delivered through value adding to existing community services with portable water tanks, a community laundry and extra washing areas. Strong local partnerships ensure the longevity of such provisions,” said Lien.
If you are interested in End Trachoma 2020 press on the link provided.
