Breaking the Cycle: Soap Aid’s Efforts to Reduce Trachoma in Indigenous Populations

21/06/2023

Trachoma is an eye condition caused by infection with certain strains of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and repeated infections can cause scarring in the eye and blindness.

Trachoma disappeared from mainstream Australia 100 years ago, yet it still affects indigenous populations where it remains endemic in almost two-thirds of remote indigenous communities in Australia.

Soap Aid soap helps to reduce trachoma and other hygiene-related illnesses by providing soap to organisations that have access to these community facilities to promote good health and hygiene practices.

Regular and proper hand washing with soap is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of trachoma and other hygiene-related illnesses. The use of soap can help to break the cycle of transmission by removing the bacteria from hands and surfaces, reducing the likelihood of infection.

Soap Aid’s soap distribution in partnership with affected communities plays an important role in preventing the spread of trachoma by providing access to soap and promoting good hygiene practices within households and community facilities. By addressing the barriers to good hygiene, such as the cost of soap, Soap Aid is helping to improve the health and well-being of indigenous populations in remote areas and reduce the incidence of trachoma in Australia.