People who live in remote areas suffer from life at the end of the 'gravy train', and this is particularly evident in developing countries. Basic essentials which we take for granted are denied or in short supply. Pacific Islanders live a simple subsistent lifestyle which we in the hustle and bustle of daily life dream of, but the reality is not so romantic.
In many areas we visit, Pacific Yacht Ministries provides the only medical support they see, year in year out. There are no regular visits by dentists or optometrists, immunisation programs are way behind schedule or non-existent. The people live with a diet which is quite basic, traditionally based on high starch foods like taro, yam and sweet potato. Although the land is extremely fertile, any fruits or vegetables which are disease prone or subject to insect attack are avoided, as there are no pesticides or chemicals available. The resultant diet leads to high levels of tooth decay and other diseases.
Easy food staples like rice and flour have gradually made their way into the diet, leading to high incidence of diabetes. Education in dietary matters is high on the agenda of Pacific Yacht Ministries, and includes an agricultural education component.
Why can't the Government deal with these issues? Pacific Island economies typically have low GDP, and budgets for all sectors are relatively small. Transport to sparsely populated outlying islands is extremely expensive, and medical budgets don't stretch far beyond the capital 'cities'. Although foreign aid levels can be quite high, they are not well managed, with little transport component provided.
Pacific Yacht Ministries has an important role to play in filling the void, and getting medical services to these outlying areas, where 'political sway' is virtually non-existent. You can help!