Pacific Community (SPC)

Disease epidemics from viruses spread by mosquitoes are happening more often across the Pacific region with 96 outbreaks (69 dengue outbreaks, 12 Zika virus and 15 Chikungunya) reported between January 2012 and May 2021.

The Pacific Mosquito Surveillance Strengthening for Impact (PacMOSSI) project is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to support the management of the increasing number of vector borne disease outbreaks in the region.

The Food Security and Agriculture Cluster (FSAC) in partnership with the Seed for Life Project requested support for the seeds system by purchasing vegetable seeds worth VT 2.5 Million.

The seeds will be distributed to farmers to help them have a strong seed system for food security.

The project is part of recovery efforts for communities affected by TC Harold.

Mia Rimon, SPC Regional Director for Melanesia said, “Seeds for Life actively respond to FSAC’s request to have the first two orders delivered by the supplier, Vanuatu Agricultural Supplies Ltd.

Twenty-one Human Resource Officers from all government ministries including managers from the Office of the Public Service Commission (OPSC), are undertaking an intense 5 day-course on Management and Productivity with lead trainer Cidi Wee, a senior trainer of the Singapore Civil Service College.

The training is being conducted in partnership with the Pacific Community (SPC), the Singapore Cooperation Programme and the world class Singapore Civil Service College.