Fefe Hake

So we made it to Tonga, and are on the island of Vava'u, the "Most Beautiful Place". We flew from New Zealand to Tongatapu, and then by plane to Vava'u. Today we spent our first day in the hospital, Prince Gnu Hospital. There were about 15 patients there, plus they do a lot of outpatient visits. Tilema, the principal of the Queen Salote School of Nursing, came with us from Tongatapu, and has been most helpful in getting everything set up. We also got a tour of the water and sanitation systems from the island health officer, and heard a review of all of the 2010 health care statistics. While the population of the Vava'u island group is small, around 33,000, it seems like they care about every single person here. All children get immunized, or they go to their homes and find them, and then immunize them. They focus on health practices for everyone, and the community health nurses take health care out to the people. It is really impressive. The Tongans are warm and friendly, and the island is indeed one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.