In October, IsraAID Vanuatu launched a new program on Emau Island to target stunting, a form of severe malnutrition. Emau is a small island north of the larger island of Efate, where Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, is located. There are six communities, with a total population of just over 900 people. The combined nutrition and water, sanitation and hygiene program is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Shefa and is funded by the Canadian Fund for Community Initiatives (CFLI). IsraAID Vanuatu will conduct home visits over a seven-month period to disseminate information on nutrition and hygiene, helping families understand the root causes of malnutrition and prevent stunting.
According to the 2013 Vanuatu Demographic and Health Survey, approximately 30% of children under the age of five in Vanuatu are stunted. Stunting is an irreversible condition that occurs when a child does not receive enough nutrients to develop properly. It can occur due to improper diet or prolonged exposure to feces that prevents proper absorption of nutrients.
IsraAID Vanuatu will target six communities on the island of Emau in the north of Efate, helping families and communities access the information they need to prevent stunting and create an environment in which children can thrive. IsraAID has developed her two flipcharts that convey information in an accessible way. One of the charts focuses on hygiene practices such as proper toilet construction and hand washing. Another chart highlights good nutritional habits, including his 2023 research highlighting the importance of vitamin A and protein-rich foods in infant diets. A village hygiene promoter who is a member of the local community and is familiar with the local community visits households and uses flip charts to explain and encourage proper hygiene and nutrition. As of April 2024, 65 toilets have been upgraded to minimum standards, 15 new toilets have been built and 43 handwashing stations have been installed. A total of 206 households live in Emau, which means that 25% of households have improved hand hygiene and 43% have improved toilet facilities. This is a remarkable improvement so far and with several months left in the project.
IsraAID began operating in Vanuatu in 2015 after Category 5 Cyclone Pam displaced a quarter of Vanuatu’s population. Since then, IsraAID has supported communities in Vanuatu with water, sanitation, hygiene, mental health needs, and the prevention of gender-based violence. Resilience in the face of ongoing climate disaster.
IsraAID Vanuatu Acting Country Director Peter Visser said:
“IsraAID Vanuatu is proud to be implementing this important cross-sectoral project to reduce stunting rates on Emmau Island. Stunting is an irreversible condition but highly preventable. It’s possible. Thanks to funding from CFLI, we’re working to ensure families have the resources and knowledge they need to ensure a bright future for their children. We are able to develop resources to provide access and our door-to-door approach allows us to meet communities where they are.”
-end-
Further information is available on request, including interviews with IsraAID Vanuatu Director Peter Visser and others involved in this operation.
contact:
Shachar May
Email: smay@israaid.org
Phone/Whatsapp: +972586664969
Note:
israel aid is a leading international humanitarian non-governmental organization based in Israel. Since 2001, IsraAID has been synonymous with rapid response to humanitarian crises and long-term cooperation with affected communities. During and after emergencies, IsraAID partners with communities to rebuild their lives and futures together. As of May 2024, IsraAID has responded to over 100 emergencies in over 60 countries.
