Ken Barasch’s work in Fiji has profoundly impacted the health and well-being of many people in the region. What started in 1990 as a personal mission to address the lack of dental care and cataract surgery has blossomed into the Savusavu Community Foundation, which now serves as a hub for healthcare, education, and climate resilience.
Barasch and his wife, Donna, didn’t set out to create a nonprofit but were moved by the struggles they witnessed during their travels in Fiji. Many Fijians, especially in rural areas, lacked access to basic healthcare services. Dental problems were rampant, and cataracts were common, often impairing vision permanently.
The foundation began with a focus on eye care and dental treatments, providing cataract surgeries and bringing in dental care to communities that had limited access. As they expanded their efforts, they partnered with various organizations, including Direct Relief, which has been a vital source of support for procuring medical equipment, supplies, and medications. The partnership allowed the Savusavu Community Foundation to outfit hospitals, equip clinics, and provide specialized care in areas that needed it the most.
Over the years, the foundation broadened its mission to include various forms of healthcare: reproductive health, chronic disease monitoring, and even emergency response during the pandemic. The foundation provided critical Covid-19 vaccines and food for quarantined households, demonstrating its adaptability and commitment to improving health outcomes across the nation.
Ken Barasch’s efforts earned him the Order of Fiji in 2025, an honor recognizing his immense contribution to Fijian health. After decades of hard work, Barasch made the decision to retire, recognizing that the nonprofit’s operations required more time and energy than he could continue to give. However, before stepping down, he made a final significant gesture: he donated $110,000 from the foundation to Direct Relief, an organization that has been a trusted partner for decades.
His donation symbolizes his trust in the organization and his confidence in their ability to continue the important work of improving healthcare in Fiji. Direct Relief, recognizing the importance of ongoing support, plans to visit Fiji in April to discuss future strategies with local officials and communities.
Barasch’s legacy, which includes setting up medical infrastructure, supporting chronic disease management, and improving access to crucial healthcare, will continue through the foundation’s ongoing work and its partnerships with organizations like Direct Relief. The Savusavu Community Foundation has not only improved health outcomes in Fiji but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the healthcare landscape for future generations in the region.
As Barasch reflects on his work, he is hopeful that Fijian health will continue to improve, with better education on nutrition and further support for critical issues like insulin refrigeration and disaster response. The foundation’s work is a testament to the impact that a dedicated individual, with the support of the community and trusted partners, can have on a nation’s health system.
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