Clinic Timeline
From humble beginnings to future hopes, this is the story of the Loanialu Health Clinic.
Before the clinic was built
2010 - Jeannie & Warren Visit Vanuatu
The story began when our founder Jeannie Barton and her husband Warren visited the Kapalpal school on a mission trip in September 2010.
The condition of the children who attended the school indicated the need for regular bathing, attention to wound care, treatment of coughs, colds, asthma, bronchitis, fevers, numerous skin conditions, infections, burns and transportation of emergency cases to the Lenakel Hospital.
Jeannie's aim from that point forward was to raise the health standards of that community and to ensure the people of Loanialu could access basic medical attention they so desperately needed.
Jeannie, Tessa and Annette
2012 - Local nurse Tessa hired
In 2012, Nevan Nurse Aid, Tessa Samson was hired to be run the clinic. Tessa and her husband live in a villages close by with their four children, two other abandon children and elderly village lady.
Tessa tends to the school children and community's health concerns to the best of her ability, providing basic medical assistance and health education.
The Loanialu Health Clinic
2013 - The Loanialu Clinic opens
Following years of raising awareness and seeking financial support, the existing Loanialu Health Clinic was built with the assistance of the Rotary Club of Toowoomba and their international exchange partner club in Mitsukaido (Japan).
The clinic is a makeshift shed, officially classified as a First Aid Post.
It has no water, electricity or lighting.
It is not weather proofed or protected against the permeating volcanic ash. The clinic provides hygiene and health promotional activities that are conducted with the school children with emphasis on oral hygiene, showering and immunization.
Shower block
2014 - Water Tanks and Showers
Hygiene and Sanitation are the foundation of good health, so in 2014 water tanks and showers were installed.
School teachers, children and parents now get regular showers!
Soap, towels and toothpaste are distributed to the school children.
Tessa distributes sanitation products to the women and provides hygiene and sanitation education.
Cuts, wounds, skin infections and other medical concerns are also attended to quickly to promote healing and prevent infections.
2016 - Reclassified as a Dispensary
Despite its humble appearance and limited facilities, the clinic has had a significant impact on the health of the Loanialu Region.
In recognition of this, the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Management Team upgraded the status of the clinic to a dispensary-level care facility.
Current situation
The current clinic does not meet the required standards of a Dispensary.
Rather than demolish the clinic and start again, the committee has successfully negotiated with the local government and community elders to develop a new clinic on an adjoining site.
Recent Achievements
The New Clinic Project has been planned in consultation with key stakeholders including the Ministry of Health, the Provincial Health Manager for Tafea Province, the local community, tribal elders, village chiefs and customary landowners.
As of September 2017, Land for the new clinic has been legally procured under local tradition to allow the commencement of construction and the unrestricted operation of the facility.
A Memorandum of Understanding is also in place with the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu with respect to in-country administrative and logistical support, including import tax exemptions, pharmaceutical supplies, expedited processes and concessional arrangements around visa and formal education/training requirements.
Next Steps
We are currently raising awareness of our plans to build a new clinic which will fulfill the requirements of a Dispensary, improving the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in this otherwise neglected region of Loanialu.
To fund this project, we are are seeking capital investment from grants, philanthropists and passionate individuals. If you can help us achieve this ambitious but important project, please contact us, we'd love to hear from you.
appeal@loanialuclinic.com
A Healthy Future
We aim to be one of the leading Dispensaries in Vanuatu creating a model for others to adopt and broaden the scope of Health Care across the country. Our continued mission is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the Loanialu community and provide a wider geographical area with access to quality health care services.
Continued operation and maintenance of the new clinic will be the responsibility of the committee, with support from the Lenakel Provincial Hospital and the Vanuatu Government (ie provision of stationary, staff wages and basic pharmaceuticals, including vaccines). The Hospital will also facilitate and support our clinic staff with continued professional development and inclusion in formal training courses.