Despite the fact that Vanuatu has remained predominantly COVID free over the last 18 months, the challenges facing the country remain significant. Thanks to its geographical isolation and quick thinking health officials, Vanuatu has had its doors closed to the world since early last year. But with tourism accounting for almost 20% of the country’s GDP, the economic impacts of a closed border have been massive. Vanuatu’s tax revenues tumbled by about 19% from 2019 to 2020, with huge personal costs for residents.
The country is in a bind though. With only 3% of residents fully vaccinated, high rates of co-morbidities among the population and limited public health infrastructure, there are significant fears that if the virus were to gain a foothold in the region, it could devastate island communities.
Although COVID has hampered the MJF’s ability to operate as effectively as we normally do, there have been a number of things happening here over the last few months.
Firstly, thank you to all who gave to our Let Me Learn campaign. We were thrilled to welcome a large number of first-time donors, and we thank them especially for their generous support. It was a hugely successful campaign, raising over $10,000 for the people of Espiritu Santo, which was badly affected by last year’s Cyclone Harold. The program aims to replenish learning resources in schools across the island, and by its conclusion will provide over 2,000 culturally appropriate new readers.
Our 2020-2021 Annual Report has now been completed. Making a detailed report available to the public is one way to stay accountable to the people we support and the people who support us. You can read all about our recent activities here.
In June, 50 Rapid Assessment Kits were delivered to the nurses in the VCH Emergency Department so that they can readily triage incoming patients and provide timely care and treatment. We were very pleased to receive super positive feedback from Libby White, ED nurse and Vila Central Hospital’s co-ordinator of the project.
The pandemic has prevented us from operating as we normally might and it’s only been relatively recently that we’ve actually been able to get last year’s donated items to Port Vila. To compensate though, we’re gearing up to spend over $52,000 on health and $23,000 on education over the coming year.
If you believe in the work we do and have the means, why not consider becoming a regular donor? The beauty of a regular donation is just that — its regularity — allowing us to accurately predict our incoming financials and to budget appropriately for the year ahead.
As you’re no doubt aware, a reliable source of income each year is incredibly important in allowing the MJF’s work in Vanuatu to continue. We would deeply appreciate anything you can spare.
