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TAFEA Health Care Association Incorporated: Supporting Communities, Families, and Births

TAFEA Health Care Association Incorporated is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities. TAFEA believe that everyone has the fundamental right to access healthcare, regardless of their background or circumstances. The organisation supports the not-for-profit initiative in Vanuatu, specifically on Tanna Island, where basic healthcare is provided to residents in need.

Mediscrubs, a proud supporter of TAFEA Health Care Association Incorporated, recognises the significance of access to healthcare services. We understand that the right to health is a fundamental human right, and support TAFEA as they strive to provide care and support to those seeking their services. TAFE does not discriminate based on race, religion, political belief, economic status, or social conditions. Their clinic is open to all individuals in need, and they are committed to ensuring that they receive the care they deserve.

In collaboration with the Village Health Workers, TAFEA's dedicated nurses, aim to address the healthcare needs of remote areas on Tanna Island. These healthcare professionals undergo training to identify diseases and health concerns in these isolated regions. TAFEA's role is to provide aid and assistance to the nurses, enabling them to detect, treat, or refer individuals to advanced centers if necessary, thereby ensuring their health concerns are adequately addressed.

Before TAFEA's inception in 2013, the area they worked in lacked a proper health facility. Since then, TAFEA has witnessed significant improvements in various aspects of people's health. TAFEA continues to expand its services into other remote areas, striving to reach more individuals in need.

TAFEA's team works under the guidance of the Tafea Provincial Public Health Manager in Vanuatu, ensuring that our work aligns with the protocols set by the Ministry of Health. All records are diligently documented, allowing the government to maintain statistics and assess, improve, or manage individuals' health.

The healthcare services provided encompass a wide range of areas:

  1. Malaria Prevention: TAFEA's nurses play a crucial role in influencing preventive practices by educating communities and distributing health information. TAFEA works closely with community leaders to promote a healthy and preventive approach to combat malaria.

  2. Yaws Detection and Treatment: TAFEA stock test kits and educate our nurses on their usage to detect and treat Yaws, a bacterial skin infection. Ensuring access to necessary medication is an integral part of our strategy.

  3. Skin Infections Management: TAFEA's nurses are trained in the treatment and prevention of various skin infections, including scabies, furuncles, lice, abscesses, impetigo, and cellulitis. Education, prevention, and treatment are key components of our approach, along with providing necessary tools and medications.

  4. Immunisation Monitoring and Education: We prioritize monitoring the immunisation records of children attending our clinic, ensuring they receive the necessary vaccinations. TAFEA also provides education to parents, emphasising the importance of immunisation.

  5. Support for Underweight Children: TAFEA provides utensils, equipment, and nutritional supplements to underweight children. Additionally, when required, they arrange transport to medical centers for advanced treatment.

  6. Antenatal Care: TAFEA conducts Antenatal Clinics and arranges transport for pregnant women to larger centers for extended care and access to birth suites, and they also provide meals for children and pregnant women during their clinic visits.

  7. Emergency Transport: In case of emergencies, TAFEA arranges transportation to larger health centers to ensure individuals receive immediate and appropriate care.

  8. Dental Care and Allied Health: TAFEA organises visits by volunteer dentists, doctors, and allied health personnel to address dental concerns and provide the necessary care.

  9. Wound Care in Schools: TAFEA supplies wound care products, including antiseptics, disinfectants, bandages, creams, and ointments, to seven schools.

  10. Disability Services: With the support of a grant from Cerebral Palsy Australia, TAFEA has initiated services to assist in the care, education, and assessment of children with cerebral palsy.

  11. Aid After Cyclones: TAFEA provides essential support following cyclones, including food parcels for adults and children, as well as food seeds for community gardens.

  12. Eco-friendly Maternity Care Packages: TAFEA offer environmentally sustainable packages that include hygiene care items for mothers and their babies, promoting preventative healthcare.

  13. Reusable Sanitary Items: Volunteers sew and distribute eco-friendly, reusable sanitary items from our clinic.

  14. Treatment of Common Illnesses: TAFEA addresses a range of health concerns in infants and children, such as diarrhea, pneumonia, skin infections, impetigo, scabies, lice infestations, and burns.

  15. Collaboration with Vanuatu Health Professionals: The charity works closely with the Vanuatu Health Ministry and its representatives, ensuring their decisions align with the Ministry's protocols.

  16. Repair and Rebuilding Efforts: TAFEA actively engages in repairing and rebuilding nurses' homes and clinics affected by cyclones.

  17. Employment of Nurses: TAFEA has employed two nurses dedicated to providing healthcare services in remote areas of Tanna Island, assisting in diagnosis and medication supply.

  18. Medical Equipment Purchases: TAFEA continuously invests in essential medical equipment to enhance the quality of the healthcare services they provide.

Mediscrubs proudly supports TAFE Health Care Association Incorporated, (formerly the Loanialu Health Clinic Inc.) in its noble endeavors. Together, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities, ensuring access to vital healthcare services.