The Building

Construction of the new aid post in the Umi community has been completed.  The building is 11.1m x 8.4m including veranda. It has 6 rooms consisting of a pharmacy room, examination and treatment rooms, a nurse station, reception, toilet/shower and an inpatient room for emergency cases. The building is powered by solar panels and batteries, powering lighting as well as the vaccine refrigerator, and has a cold and hot water system installed.

The plans and detailed building specifications were prepared by Partner Housing and the structure built by Vision for Homes between March and July 2020, using local carpenters, with technical assistance from Partner Housing.

The project was jointly funded by Partner Housing and a community group based on the Shoalhaven district of the south coast of New South Wales.

Equipping and staffing the Aid Post

The Western Highland Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) equipped the aid post and is providing medical and pharmaceutical supplies on an ongoing basis. The WHPHA has also provided Community Health Workers to deliver health care to the people of the Umi community and surrounding area. The first nursing officer commenced in early January 2022. The aid post is now fully operational and treating 500+ patients each month.

The official opening of the Aid Post December 2021

The aid post was officially opened by Sr Janet Yamu, Acting CEO, WHPHA accompanied by Dr Jonah Kirumbi, Director, Clinical Services, WHPHA and Mr Kelly Kombra Peng, General Manager, Vision for Homes.

Staff housing

Vision for Homes worked with the Umi community to complete two duplex houses for aid post staff and their families. The houses are built with timber donated by the Umi community.