Dr Ashlee Jewson, MJF’s Health Projects Manager, had the great honour of representing the foundation in Vanuatu recently, meeting MJF patron and Deputy Prime Minister of Australia Hon. Richard Marles and his Vanuatu counterpart Hon. Matai Seremaiah at Vila Central Hospital (VCH) for a walk-through with hospital and Ministry of Health representatives.

VCH Acting Director General Dr. Samuel Posikai Tapo, Vanuatu’s Director of Curative & Hospital Services Dr. Sereana Natuman and VCH Medical Superintendent Dr. Errollyn Tunungaboe led a very insightful tour, introducing the Australians to their exciting Hospital Redevelopment Program. This fantastic initiative aims to upgrade Vila Central Hospital and Vanuatu’s five provincial hospitals with new clinical service models, operational requirements and masterplan designs that will allow Ministry of Health to develop their hospitals to better serve the healthcare needs of the ni-Vanuatu community.

Ashlee had the opportunity to speak of the MJF’s long running support of Vila Central Hospital, including the donation of medical equipment used in the ICU. It was a privilege to spend the time with leaders of both communities and to hear about the terrific progress being made in Vanuatu’s healthcare sector.