Expanding Non-Communicable Disease Care in Palau
Peace Winds recently began a new health program that will strengthen detection, treatment, and prevention for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Palau. The small Pacific island nation has a high prevalence of NCDs, like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. A shortage of healthcare workers and facilities makes it difficult to detect, treat, and prevent them. So Peace Winds’ new project builds on our existing work to implement routine health screenings, raise awareness about NCDs, and support healthier lifestyles.
For the last three years, Peace Winds has been working closely with Palau’s Ministry of Health and Human Services, as well as national and local leaders, to strengthen the country’s healthcare systems. This includes organizing routine screenings for Palauans who do not have access to regular care. Our Kensing II health ship even helps us reach the remote Southwest Islands–these take one full day to reach by boat and have very limited healthcare resources.
Now, Peace Winds is collaborating with Palauan government officials to design a sustainable system so that they can keep health screenings running. This will help ensure that NCD detection continues in the long-term.
Furthermore, patients who have been diagnosed with NCDs often face barriers to continued treatment and care. One challenge is the severe shortage of doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel in Palau. To help address this, Peace Winds is expanding training opportunities for community health supporters. These are nursing students and other local residents who receive training on how to follow up with patients after diagnosis, helping them get the care they need.
Southwest Islanders consult with nurse and doctor during Peace Winds health screening initiative
Finally, to support healthy lifestyles, the new program aims to make fruits and vegetables more accessible for Palauans.
“People say they want to have healthy food, but there aren’t that many opportunities to eat it,” said Amma Nobumichi, the Palau Country Representative, in an interview last year. “It’s very expensive.”
So Peace Winds is piloting a community gardening initiative in three states. Local experts in agriculture will help elementary and secondary students, state government staff, and other residents learn to cultivate vegetables at several small gardens. When the vegetables are ready for harvest, they will be used to cook healthy, delicious dishes for children and adults at community harvest events. Students get to be involved in the cooking, too; the program also introduces food science and nutrition classes in the schools.
Later, gardens will be expanded into “model farms.” Training will be available to more residents who want to learn about home gardening, helping to keep healthy eating within reach.
We’re looking forward to bringing updates from Palau as we work to make healthcare stronger and more accessible for everyone. This program is made possible by funding from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as contributions from supporters like you. Your donations will help us continue to meet critical needs for communities in Palau.