District Champion
PDG Michael Milston (Orange Daybreak)
0419 414 959
The World Health Organisation has now updated its global goal to eliminate trachoma by extending it from 2020 to 2030. Trachoma is an infectious eye disease that can be prevented with good hygiene practices. But it is still present in remote Aboriginal communities and can lead to permanent blindness.
 
The work of the Australian Government, the Fred Hollows Foundation and Indigenous Eye Health to treat trachoma infections has seen rates in affected communities reduced substantially. But now, we need to ensure that hygiene practices and the community environments are improved to completely eliminate the disease.
 
EndTrachoma is supporting a range of services and facilities to assist remote communities take preventative action in eye health. This video demonstrates the great work donated funds are doing to provide a "Washer Trailer" for outback communities. In less than 2.5 minutes you will understand the full impact of this project. Watch the video
 
Can YOU help in the promotion of prevention to focus on the End Trachoma Project?
We have a new Project that you and your Club can contribute to in a hands-on way to really make a difference. This is the Toiletry Kits Project. In 2020 many clubs across the District took up the opportunity and contributed almost 800 kits to over 13 communities in the Northern Territory. Australia wide Rotarians made and supplied 2,150+ kits!
 
This link takes you to the story, the Why, What, How, When and Where about the Toiletry Kits. PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR CLUB - we are always looking for Clubs to consider helping out as we find additional schools in local communities where Trachoma is present and the local Aboriginal community and school are keen to participate. We want to distribute a further 1000 Kits in 2021 - CAN YOU BE PART OF THIS?
 
Wagga Wagga Sunrise Rotarians putting together 50 Kits for Aboriginal Student in NT
 
All Rotarians and communities are being asked to consider getting behind this important project. And you will find valuable resources in the download files section and the links to the End Trachoma website, and other resources.
 
Click on this introduction video
or copy this into your browser - https://youtu.be/t__M_vp3kkI
 
DONATIONS to this Project are being made through the community organisation Nourish Our Communities Ltd (there is an information page in the left hand frame about this organisation setup for the sole purpose of supporting the Rotary Australia End Trachoma project).
 
 
 
Contact for ideas, resources and speakers:
District Champion - Michael Milston - 0419 414 959 (Rotary Club of Orange Daybreak)
District Team - Ann Dib (0438 324 475) and Mark Hansen (0487 962 825)