Over 30,000 People In Vanuatu To Benefit From Stronger, Disaster-Resilient Health Care Services

Joint Press Release

Port Vila, Vanuatu, 10 February 2026 – The Government of Vanuatu has launched a new programme today to make community healthcare services stronger and safer for over 30,000 people living in remote areas during emergencies.

Funded by the Government of Japan and supported by UNICEF, the ‘Strengthening Disaster Resilience of Health Care Facilities in Remote Islands’ programme aims to ensure that children and their families can continue to receive essential care, even when emergencies strike.

Vanuatu is known as one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries. In recent years, frequent and severe cyclones have caused major damage to homes, schools and healthcare facilities. In 2024, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake affected more than 80,000 people and further disrupted already fragile services. For many communities, especially those in remote islands, these events made it even harder to access basic healthcare, clean water and sanitation.

Across the country, many community healthcare facilities face longstanding challenges. About a quarter do not have reliable electricity, making it difficult to keep vaccines cold, run medical equipment or provide care at night. More than 15 per cent of facilities do not have access to water; 11 per cent have no toilets, and only 27 per cent have basic hygiene facilities - placing patients and healthcare workers at risk of infection.

In addition, 89 per cent of facilities lack essential equipment needed for mothers, newborns, and young children. Many buildings are also located in low-lying areas that are easily flooded or damaged during storms and cyclones. Healthcare workers often have limited training in how to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

“By strengthening primary health care facilities, especially in remote and disaster-prone areas, we are protecting our people and ensuring that essential health services continue when they are needed most,” said Vanuatu’s Minister of Health, Hon. John Still Tariqetu. “We also acknowledge the technical expertise of UNICEF. This programme directly supports our national health and climate commitments.”

The new programme will strengthen 20 primary healthcare facilities. The facilities will be upgraded to withstand cyclones and other hazards better. They will receive safe water supply systems, improved toilets

and handwashing stations, as well as solar power and other reliable energy solutions, while health workers receive basic training on using and maintaining them.

“This programme strengthens healthcare services for children and families in Vanuatu, helping facilities remain operational during disasters,” said UNICEF Pacific Representative (a.i) Roshni Basu. “With trained staff, safe water, reliable power and equipment, it protects children in both normal times and emergencies.”

The programme will also furnish these facilities with essential maternal, newborn and child health equipment. This will improve how provincial and facility health teams plan, prepare, and respond during emergencies. Community preparedness will be strengthened through better communication, early warning and engagement of village healthcare workers.

The Minister of Health emphasised the importance of this partnership for national priorities.

“Japan stands firmly with the people of Vanuatu in addressing the serious challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters,” said the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Vanuatu, H.E. Mr OKUDA Naohisa. “Through this partnership with UNICEF and the Government of Vanuatu, we are supporting resilient, people-centred health systems that save lives, reduce vulnerability, and contribute to a safer and more sustainable future.”

The programme demonstrates strong coordination between the Government of Vanuatu, the Government of Japan and UNICEF, aligning with national strategies and regional commitments such as the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. By strengthening healthcare system resilience before emergencies strike, the initiative will help ensure uninterrupted care, restore community trust, and safeguard the health and dignity of the people of Vanuatu.

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