GX Foundation aids disaster resilience efforts in Vanuatu

"Vanuatu has rich natural resources but it is also one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world," said Emily Chan Ying-yang, professor and assistant dean of external affairs of Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and CEO of GX Foundation.

The kits are designed to help local residents support themselves for up to a week after a disaster, reducing the risks of disease infection or injury, said Chan.

Kalpeau Vatoko, 74, coordinator of the Nakamal Meeting House of the Mele community, said the tools are useful to the local people and that he is grateful for the kits provided.

"I am using the radio now and it is very useful … (I use it for) news, especially when a disaster comes," said Vatoko.

Kaltatak Kwalokis, 65, one of the community leaders of Erakor community, said the educational material and training provided have helped the residents develop skills to protect themselves during disasters.

"Our hygiene standards are very low, so … after disasters, diarrhea is one of the most common diseases," he said, noting the instructions provided by GX are useful in teaching residents how to treat the disease.

During the ceremony, a group of 18 young student volunteers from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, who helped prepare and distribute the kits, also performed songs in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.