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Update on Vanuatu
						
				
				
						Chris Likeman is delighted to report that her article on Vanuatu, 
						firstly in Tall Poppies and subsequently in the NZCOM journal, has 
						resulted in 22 prospective volunteers from all over the country.
				
				
						Twenty
				
		
		
				‐
				one of these were midwives, and one a student midwife in 
		
		her second year who is interested in working there for the elective 
		component of her training.
		
				Chris’s colleague Liz Harding has emailed them all and is obtaining 
				their CV’s, which will then be forwarded to Vanuatu. She has also 
				asked everyone about their availability over the 
				next year, and will then draw up a roster.
		
		
				It is hoped that two midwives at a time will 
				work in Vanuatu for periods of time ranging 
				from two to six weeks.
		
		
				As Chris explained in her article, all the work in 
				Vanuatu is voluntary. People pay for their own 
				flight (around $650 from Auckland) and living 
				expenses (although there is free accommodation 
				in the nurses home). The backpackers hostel offers very cheap 
				accommodation for those who choose to stay there.
		
		
				Chris is also thrilled to report that, as a result of her encouragement, 
				a new midwifery course has now started in Vanuatu, with an intake 
				of nine students. They could still do with teaching aids such as text 
				books (not too old), gestational wheels, vaginal examination cards 
				and models. So if anyone has any items they think might be useful, 
				please let us know.
		
		
				Well done, Chris – you’ve really started something! 
				May your efforts continue to bring positive results to 
				this needy little country.
		
		
				
						Cecile O’Driscoll