Our own Dr Alex Ioannidis is an ophthalmologist and presented information about Trachoma, a disease that Rotary International President Ian Riseley has urged all Australian Rotarian to help eradicate. The disease is one of the earliest known eye afflictions, having been identified in Egypt as early as 15 B.C. Trachoma became a problem as people moved into crowded settlements or towns where hygiene was poor. Trachoma is an infectious disease caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection causes a roughening of the inner surface of the eyelids. This roughening can lead to pain in the eyes, breakdown of the outer surface or cornea of the eyes, and eventual blindness. Untreated, repeated trachoma infections can result in a form of permanent blindness when the eyelids turn inward. In remote indigenous communities, the Australian native Bush Fly carries the disease and specifically targets the eyes, mouths and faces of young children. Over the years, successful strategies have been implemented to reduce the fly population but they can never be eradicated. A more effective approach is to prevent infection in the first place. The strategy to defeat trachoma is based on the following approach: - Surgery - when the eyelids turn inwards
- Antibiotics - a single dose of Azithromycin can cure the infection
- Facial cleanliness - reduces disease transmission and keeps flies away
- Environment - e.g. clean water, rubbish removal and clean linen.
|
.jpg)
.png)
This is a hands on project that the Community Service committee has organised for the Aurora School, with whom we want to maintain an ongoing association..jpg)
