WA signs up to trachoma screening agreement

• WA to receive $5.4million from agreement with Commonwealth to address trachoma in remote areas

• Trachoma is a contagious eye infection that can cause blindness, but is easily treated

Hundreds of people in the Kimberley, Goldfields, Pilbara and Mid-West regions of Western Australia will benefit from a $5.4million program to screen for and treat trachoma - an eye condition which can cause blindness.

The State Government has joined the New South Wales, South Australian and Northern Territory governments to sign the funding agreement with the Federal Government, which will provide $16.5million to address trachoma in remote communities across Australia.

Health Minister Kim Hames said the program would provide essential eye screening and treatment for trachoma, which affects Aboriginal communities in WA, particularly in remote areas.

"While overall rates of trachoma are decreasing in Western Australia, it is very easily transmitted through close facial contact or through towels, clothing, bedding and even flies; and the infection tends to last longer in children than in adults," Dr Hames said.

"A simple eye screen can detect trachoma and it is treated with a single dose of antibiotics.  There are no obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is why screening, detection and treatment are crucial. If untreated, over many years, trachoma infections can lead to blindness.

"It is another good example of public health agencies working in collaboration with the local Aboriginal Medical Services, schools and other community groups, to make sure screening is as widespread as possible, and that people are aware of the potential long term effects of leaving this condition untreated."

A WA Trachoma Reference Group has been established, led by the WA Country Health Service and including regional representatives, Population Health, Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Environmental Health and the Aboriginal Health Council of WA (AHCWA).  The reference group is tasked with making sure the program is delivered across WA according to the National Guidelines for the Public Health Management of Trachoma.

       Fact File

• The prevalence of trachoma among children aged 5-9 years living in 'at risk' communities in 2012 was 4%

• The Goldfields had the highest prevalence of trachoma, with a rate of 10% in 5-9 year olds in 'at risk' communities in 2012

• The overall rate of trachoma has been decreasing in WA over the past 5 years

Minister's office - 6552 5300