Joining the fight against health poverty in Vanuatu, Bridging Health was founded in 2013 by Riccardo Yasso, a fifth generation Australian-born descendant of Tanna Island. Today, the organisation has partnered with 27 communities where they work tirelessly to bring about a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
The Tanna Disaster Project is a relief effort aimed at providing urgent assistance to 15 communities on Tanna, Vanuatu. These communities were hit by two category 4 cyclones and heavy rain earlier this year, resulting in the loss of infrastructure, communication, and electricity. As a result, the communities lost their food crops and water sources, leaving them in dire need of basic essentials.
Bridging Health, in partnership with trusted community representatives, will send teams of volunteers in May and September 2023 to assess the situation, provide mobile health clinics, and distribute essential supplies including clean water sources, food, shelter, hygiene, and medical treatment. The project's primary focus is to ensure food security and clean water supplies, as well as address the health issues through education and medication.
The project aims to provide basic essentials that will provide shelter, clean water, food, medical and clothing needed within the five months of the critical care period to the most at-risk communities who are struggling to find the resources and strength to regain food security, repair homes, access clean water and raise funds to replace basic essentials for cooking.
The project is urgently seeking support and funding to provide immediate relief to these communities. Currently, many children are staying home from school due to the lack of food and sickness in the family. The project's goal is to see as many children back in school as possible by assisting communities with resources that will help them fight sickness and encourage good hygiene.