Project Title:  National Oral Health Survey, Vanuatu

Project Description
The oral health burden of children in the islands of Vanuatu is known to be high. External funding is required for a comprehensive oral health survey using WHO measures which is planned to be conducted across the islands of Vanuatu over a six month period.  The survey has the endorsement of the Ministry of Health Vanuatu. The results of this NOHS will inform development of an inaugural Oral Health Policy by the Vanuatu government and facilitate potential funding from other sources for development of sustainable oral health facilities and programs in Vanuatu. The survey team will also provide relief from pain through extractions and ART treatments and will provide community oral health education. The 2018 Section VIII ICD grant was applied to a New Zealand led phase of the survey concentrating on the more remote islands in the north and south of Vanuatu.  In 2018 ICD provided funding for dental care, dental education, training of locals and measuring fluoride in the water in the Torres Islands at the north of the Vanuatu chain.  A special grant was also awarded to Dr David Goldsmith, in memory of the late International President Don Johnson, to assist with completion and publication of the NOHS data. 
 
Project Type: Humanitarian/Education 
Project Status: 2017-2018 
Contacts: Liz Webb, webbonponga@xtra.co.nz;
                   David Goldsmith, dgold@netconnect.com.au
Country: Vanuatu
Location: islands of Vanuatu

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