Trachoma screening in the Kimberley

• Reach:

  WA

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

This project occurs during September of each year in the Kimberley region of Western Australia (WA). It aims to raise awareness of trachoma in Aboriginal communities and the importance of participating in the screening program.

The project team includes nurses, medical students, environmental health practitioners, medical and shire staff from Halls Creek, WA. The program involves visiting schools in the region and screening primary school students and:

• recording screenings
• preparing treatments
• talking to the students about the importance of washing hands and faces.

After the screening has taken place, it is the role of environmental health practitioners to address the environmental issues which may contribute to the spread of the trachoma disease.

Contacts

Environmental Health Directorate
Ph: (08) 9388 4999
Fax: (08) 9388 4955
Email: ehinfo@health.wa.gov.au

Links

• View information: Trachoma screening in the Kimberley
  See page 8
• View contact details: Public Health Division, Department of Health, WA
• View website: Environmental Health Directorate
• View website: Public Health Division, Department of Health, WA