Did you also know that Australia is the only developed country in the world that has endemic trachoma?

Countries like China, Mexico and Cambodia have eradicated it, but it continues in communities across WA. 

It's a highly contagious bacterial disease in the eye which can cause blindness, but it's completely preventable. The Environmental Health Trachoma Project has been travelling to remote Aboriginal communities in Western Australia to educate residents, and fix problems in their homes which may be contributing to the spread of the disease. 

Dr Melissa Stoneham said trachoma can be prevented by improving hygiene, and stopping overcrowding. "If someone can't turn their tap on and water comes out, then it's impossible for people to have good hygiene habits," Dr Stoneham said. "So we're really keen on identifying those issues that need fixing. "With the help of Aboriginal Environmental Health Workers, and with contractors from the Department of Housing which come along with us, we fix both minor and major plumbing issues so people have functional houses to be safe in."