PORT VILA, October 09: The Disability Desk at the Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MJCS) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Annual Reflection,

Review Planning Meeting, and Capacity Refresher Workshop for the Medical Database Registry (MDR) was taking place at Launamoa village, Pele Island from 22th September to 6th October and 7th to 8th October at the Grand Hotel in Port Vila. This important initiative, conducted aimed to enhance the capacity of provincial officers and strengthen collaborative efforts to improve services for persons with disabilities in Vanuatu.

During the two-week workshop, a total of 9 participants focused on building competencies related to the MDR, enabling them to better track and support registered individuals with disabilities across all six provinces.

The outcomes of the training include an enhanced understanding of the Medical Disability Database Registry System, improved processes for registering individuals with disabilities for ID cards to facilitate voting, training on data management and reporting using pivot tables, and strategic planning for 2025 and beyond.

This workshop marks a significant step in integrating disability services within broader governmental frameworks and fostering community-based inclusive development.

The Vanuatu Government is dedicated to improving the lives of persons with disabilities, aligning with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which Vanuatu ratified in 2008. The Disability Desk, in partnership with the Vanuatu Electoral Office (VEO) and the Vanuatu Society for People with Disability (VSPD), is committed to advancing inclusive development and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to essential services, including voter registration.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for productive discussions and collaborative planning that will empower individuals with disabilities and strengthen their representation in society.

The Disability Desk acknowledges the Vanuatu Skills Partnership (VSP) and the United Nations Development Programs (UNDP) for continuous financial support and logistics towards its yearly plans.

The Disability Desk Provincial Officers will return back to their respective islands this week.