Paul Jeffries & the Malakula Medical Relief Trust

Paul Jeffries switched on the television one winter's night in 2002 and his life changed. A documentary was showing the heroic work of New Zealander Dr Derek Allen in a remote area of Vanuatu. A lone doctor struggling to meet the needs of 35,000 people. Appalling conditions. Few resources.

Paul said, “Right, I’m going to do something.”

The next day the Auckland builder actioned the formation of the Malakula Medical Relief Trust. So far he has sent six containers of medical equipment and supplies to Malampa Province. He’s made three trips, cut through piles of red tape and carried out numerous projects. He’s even helped supply the area with a helicopter, to set up the first ever flying doctor service in Vanuatu.
Now that Paul has the Vodafone NZ Foundation right behind him too he’ll spend the next year working full-time to fulfil his vision of a proper health service in Malampa and make the world of difference to over 35,000 people.

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Paul Jeffries' monthly diaries