Thanks to your support, Interplast was able to return to Vanuatu after 7 years to help strengthen local capacity in diabetic foot care, an area of growing need across the country.
Through the Vanuatu Australia Health Partnership (VAHP) we collaborated with the Vanuatu Ministry of Health and their local healthcare teams.
Interplast volunteers Amanda Taylor and Nicoletta (Nikki) Frescos delivered practical education committed to improving outcomes for patients living with diabetic foot disease, diabetic foot ulcers and diabetes-related amputations.
Your generosity has led to incredible outcomes:
- 11 patients treated for diabetic foot complications
- 20+ Training participants over the 3-day diabetic foot care (DFC) workshops
Amanda reflected on the impact of the program, saying that “the experience provided valuable opportunities for mutual learning and reinforced the importance of culturally appropriate, locally driven solutions to address the growing burden of diabetes and diabetic foot disease in Vanuatu.”
Norla and her husband with Interplast volunteer podiatrists Amanda, Nikki and Senior Physiotherapist, Annie Tamata
When the Interplast team met Norla, we identified a serious diabetes-related complication.
But despite the challenges they face, Norla and her husband had done an incredible job caring for the wound with the resources available to them.
Norla is a woman living with her husband in a remote area outside Port Vila. For Norla, accessing healthcare is challenging.
More than two years ago, Norla scratched the top of her right foot, but despite the original wound healing, changes in the shape of her foot and ongoing infection led to a larger wound developing on the sole of her foot.
Thanks to your support, the team was able to work with Norla, her husband and local healthcare staff to share practical skills in diabetic foot screening, wound care, footwear assessment and offloading techniques to help reduce pressure on the wound and improve healing.
“I hoped to contribute to improvements that could prevent avoidable complications and help people maintain their mobility, independence, and wellbeing.” Nikki said.
By helping local health workers and families access practical knowledge and support, you are giving people like Norla a better chance at healing and preventing life-changing complications in the future.
Nikki and Amanda with the Vanuatu Central Hospital Rehabilitation Team
