NINE students of Fiji National University's College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences put a smile on the faces of Tavuya villagers in Rewa when they built an incinerator for the safe disposal of rubbish.
Calling themselves Kastaamas, which in Vanuatu means 'a traditional doctor', the third-year students are undertaking a village study project.
This involved staying for three days in the village where they profiled and identified health issues affecting the community.
They also identified risk factors and conducted screening for non-communicable diseases as well as devising an action plan based on the analysis and results obtained. Over the weekend the group made a final visit to the village to hand over the incinerator and to say their goodbyes.
"Having a communal incinerator will reduce the risk of open fires," said student Ashwin Chand.
They also gave sports equipment, first-aid kits and a toilet seat to each household.
"I'm happy with the medical students' effort and their service to our village," said village headman Apete Matanivalu.