
About a year ago, a dedicated team assembled in Auckland, funded in part by the Harold Thomas Rotary Trust, for a transformative mission to Taveuni, an island north of Fiji. Flying into Nadi on August 5, 2023, they were warmly greeted and escorted to Matei by local Rotary members. Exhausted from their early start, they gratefully settled in for a much-needed rest.
Their mission began at Lavena School, where they tirelessly provided dental care to 105 children, performing 284 treatments including fillings and sealants, though sadly needing to extract several teeth. Undeterred, they moved to Bouma District School, facing challenges posed by heavy tropical rains but managing to treat 109 children and numerous adults over three days. Their journey continued to Wainikeli District School, where they attended to 68 children and 17 adults, addressing critical dental needs that had persisted for years. At Naselesele School, near Matei, they conducted 51 examinations, placed 193 restorations, and undertook necessary extractions for both children and adults. Throughout their visit, educator Rachel engaged students with informative sessions on oral hygiene, using innovative methods like cartoon videos and interactive demonstrations. Her efforts extended to parents and teachers, emphasizing the importance of regular dental care and healthy eating habits, supported by donations from Colgate Fiji.
Reflecting on their efforts, the team noted the entrenched dental issues within the communities despite previous progress. They performed a staggering 1,400 services, including 991 restorations and unfortunately having to extract 41 permanent teeth. Their impact extended to 97 adults, totalling 288 services. None of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of the Rotary Club of Taveuni, led by champions like Paul Purvis, President Peter Brown, and Secretary Helene Brown. Their meticulous planning and provision of essential resources ensured the mission's success, from transport to daily necessities.
As they prepare for a return visit to Taveuni in August 2024, the team remains hopeful that their educational efforts will sow seeds of lasting change in oral health practices across Taveuni Island's eastern and northern communities.
