Achievements so far:
- The PNG foundation has had volunteer health and other professionals from Australia visit Kanabea yearly. Several doctors, nurses and allied health have provided services to the clinic and outposts. Other professionals, including a plumber, painter and carpenter have worked on renovating existing buildings.
- Since 2014 dr Jan Zomerdijk, general practitioner, and his wife Janny Goris, public health dietitian have worked as volunteers. They have assisted in providing primary health care for patients and reviewed the vaccination scheme. The malfunctioning solar vaccination fridge was repaired. Furthermore they provided education for nursing staff, focusing on maternal and child health and hygiene.
- Small solar panels and LED lightning was installed and a range of medical equipment was donated, including a fetal doppler, weighing scales, laboratory materials, suture sets, scissors, head torches, baby beanies, clothes and blankets.
- Supply of medicines and vaccines was overdue and the issue was raised with UNICEF PNG and WHO PNG.
- Janny has been conducting research in the area of assessing the nutritional status of Kamea mothers, infants and children and dietary diversity. Research is done in collaboration with the Micronutrient Research Laboratory, School of Medicine and Health Sciences University of Papua New Guinea. The research identified a high prevalence of malnutrition and anaemia, including moderate status of iodine deficiency. Research findings can be accessed here. This is currently being followed up by further research on iodine deficiency.
- School supplies were donated to the Kanabea primary school and cement for 2 additional classrooms
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