As in the rest of the world, COVID-19 management in Vanuatu continues to challenge both government and populace alike. Due to its geographical isolation and strong border restrictions, Vanuatu has managed to stay essentially COVID free over the past year, but it’s clear that an economic impact from the global pandemic will be felt deeply in the tourism-dependent nation for years to come.

Vanuatu still has some cards up its sleeve however. One is the nation’s eligibility for WHO’s COVAX scheme, designed to aid global equitable access to the coronavirus vaccines, helping end the acute phase of the pandemic. Through COVAX, Vanuatu has plans to vaccinate 20% of its population in the coming months as part of the first phase of its rollout, although the vast majority of its citizens aren’t due to be vaccinated until the end of 2023.

In March, Vila Central Hospital (VCH) took delivery of an MJF crate chock-full of medical equipment for the emergency and paediatric departments. Dr. Sereana Natuman, (Head of Medical Department at VCH) continues to be in touch and we were thrilled when she let us know that the donated items are getting a great deal of use already — including the defibrillator. And as of this week, the ED Nursing Packs purchased as part of our EOFY campaign last year are finally on their way to Vila to be distributed amongst the nursing staff.

Planning is already underway for our next EOFY campaign, due to be launched at the end of May. We can’t wait to share the details with you.

Behind the scenes we continue to prepare for some pretty major structural developments, heralding a bold new era for the foundation. We are incredibly excited and hope to share more details with you very soon.