The original mission was to provide a free four day medical and dental clinic in the coastal village of Deuba Fiji. However, the project expanded to include a secondary mission; to work toward building a permanent clinic in the underserved highlands of Fiji.

Fiji’s healthcare system faces challenges due to reduced government subsidies and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Private healthcare services are present but unaffordable for most, especially in the impoverished regions like the highlands, where access to medical care is virtually non-existent causing increased sickness, suffering and mortality rates.

In the highland village of Nakavika, a local nurse practitioner named Amelia Nairabelevu has long dreamed of establishing a clinic to serve her community. Villagers face immense challenges in accessing medical and dental care, often making arduous journeys on foot, including crossing the same river twenty-three times with no bridges to get to the coastal clinic or hospital. Pregnant mothers delivering their babies on the side of the river then bundling the newborn in a blanket and continuing the day-long hike down the mountain.

Tragically, recent deaths, including a mother during childbirth and a ten-year-old boy due to lack of timely care, underscore the urgency of their dire situation. The dear souls of the highlands have been largely forgotten.

The Shepherd’s Clinic at Nakavika aims to fulfill Amelia’s dream by building a permanent highland clinic, providing free medical and dental care, including minor surgeries and of course baby deliveries.

Our larger vision is to use the clinic as a proof of concept. We will learn exactly what is needed, how to operate the clinic and best serve the people. Then, we will duplicate the project and open additional clinics in other forgotten areas.

Please add this project to your prayer list.