BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
A medical response team from Gizo visited Irigila Village in North Vella La Vella, Western Province, on Saturday to assess health needs and provide vital advice after Tropical Cyclone Maila affected the area.
The eight-member team included a doctor, nurses, a pharmacist, and public health officers, including nutrition specialists. They began their work on Sunday, with nurses setting up at the local clinic to carry out routine health checkups. In the evening, health officers shared important health messages with villagers.
The team also led a community cleanup drive, where residents and health workers worked together to clear logs, stones, and dangerous needle sharps from the clinic area and playground. These were left behind after the cyclone.
“This cleanup campaign is to help the community avoid outbreaks of malaria, conjunctivitis, and diarrhea,” said health worker Miss Nelmah Kikoni.
During the checkups, nurses found several malaria cases, including young children with fevers. Cyclone Maila had damaged water and sanitation systems, leaving many families without safe drinking water.
“We focused our assessment on these critical issues,” Miss Kikoni added.
The team also donated mosquito nets, buckets, and water containers. They stayed in the village for four days before moving to another nearby community on Thursday to continue their health response work.
