Hundreds of families in Vanuatu accessed free health services such as eye screening and child immunization, thanks to the leadership of the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu, with support from the Vanuatu Ministry of Health and WHO. This event is part of growing Pacific-wide movement where communities and local organizations are reaching beyond their normal activities to promote health.
The 2-day health fair was made possible with dedicated collaboration between the Presbyterian Church of Vanuatu, the Ministry of Health, and WHO. Outreach was wide-spread using multi-media channels, resulting in over 600 adults and children screened for noncommunicable diseases, mental health screening and counselling, dental checks, eye care and child health immunisation, deworming and vitamin tablets for children.
The NCD team screened almost 400 people about 30 people with high fasting blood glucose and high blood pressure who were not previously diagnosed as having diabetes or high blood pressure. The eye team was able to provide free vision tests and offered more than 50 pairs reading glasses.
This programme is part of growing support from faith-based organizations across the Pacific, which recognize the role they can play in health promotion. While the Presbyterian Church in Port Vila regularly provides free dental checks and treatment via their mobile dental clinic, church leaders fully supported the health fair as a way to bring additional services to the community.
Speaking at the opening of the event, the Director of Public Health, Mr George Taleo, highlighted the importance of working with churches to promote health because they are closely in touch with people and play an influential role in the lives and behaviour of communities.
Beyond providing health services, FBOs can also advocate for increased access to healthy options for their communities as well as help to increase awareness about various health topics. The President of the Presbyterian Church spoke highly of the partnership initiative and confirmed that he “will encourage pastors to speak about healthy lifestyles and behaviours from the church pulpits.”
Health promotion team screens for NCD risk factors
NCD nurse assessing cardiovascular risk for a patient as her grandchild looks on
Community health nurse measuring blood pressure
NCD prevention and management: A focus on eye health
WHO’s Dr Rufina Latu assessing cardiovascular risk