In Gear | Rotary in Southern New Zealand Issue 2 | Page 28

Rotarian nurse spreads health message
Health education was a key focus during the Rotary
mission to the Vanuatu island of Votlo.

Generally, though, the people of Votlo were in good
health.

Dunedin North Rotarian and registered nurse Janet
Hewson packed around 15kg of medical supplies for
the trip, during which she not only assessed and treated
islanders, but also provided health advice.

“The food is mainly fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood,
chicken and occasional pork.

One of the highlights of her work on Votlo was working
with school children teaching health basics, including
correct handwashing, proper sneezing technique, how
to bend and lift safely and wound care.
“I ended up seeing the children all the time I was there
and repeatedly role-modelled handwashing, sneezing
and bending and lifting – the kids started mimicking me
after a while.
“At least they were paying attention!”
Older islanders also benefitted from lessons in body
mechanics.
“And, I had a few odd requests, like ‘check my brain’
and ‘pull my tooth’ – I can do neurological exams, but
dentistry is a bit above my pay grade,” Janet says.

“They have one truck between several villages and
several horses, but, otherwise, everyone walks – a
natural ‘green prescription’.”
As part of Dunedin North’s commitment to Votlo, the
club is funding a local woman to complete a health
worker programme.
“She’ll be able to assess, treat and monitor common
conditions, but, more importantly, educate and role
model healthy lifestyle choices,” Janet says.
“I’m hoping to return next year to see what changes the
villagers have made since my visit and to spend time
with the new health worker.
“For me, this trip was a genuine demonstration of how
a nurse, as a Rotarian, can, with cultural sensitivity, help
a group of people improve their health in small ways
that can make a difference to the rest of their lives.”

Page 28 | In Gear - Rotary in southern New Zealand - District 9980 | www.rotarydistrict9980.org