NEWS/PROJECT FUNDING: Overcrowding continues to be an issue – Wilcannia is proof

Overcrowding has been acknowledged as a social determinant exasperating the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

As various news articles report, 30 caravans have been established in Wilcannia as temporary accommodation for isolating COVID-19 patients. This is proof that overcrowding continues to be a health risk.

 

 

Figure from ABC news article

 

“Concerns had been raised about residents’ ability to safely isolate from infected family members in overcrowded homes”

 

Healthabitat continues to be concerned about the health issues as a result of overcrowding. An extract from the former National Indigenous Housing Guide reminds us of these;

“…Crowded living conditions increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases, such as meningococcal disease, rheumatic fever, tuberculosis and respiratory infections.

In a crowded house it can also be more difficult to access health hardware, such as hot water, showers and clothes washing facilities.” 

 

Overcrowding Project Funding for Kimberly Communities & COVID-19

‘A culturally specific overcrowding guideline for COVID-19 Pandemic Planning, Response and Recovery in Remote Kimberly Communities’ project has been funded and is led by Nirrumbuk Environment Health and Services. First Nations-led, it will involve community consultation about overcrowding and lived experiences.

 

Healthabitat looks forward to the locally specific research outcomes for the Kimberly communities and what this might mean for overcrowding and many other communities. 

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