Geographical Locations - Vanuatu

• (Statistical) Number of Inhabitants per Doctor: 7,345
• CIA - World Factbook: Vanuatu

Organisations and Networks

UN and Multinational

• WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) in Manila (Philippines)
  - WHO - Environmental Burden of Disease: Country Profile – Vanuatu

Government

Non-Government

Academic Institutions

National Policy and Related Documents

Reports, Guidelines, and Projects

• Ciguatera poisoning in Vanuatu
  Ciguatera poisoning is endemic in many tropical and subtropical countries. We conducted a retrospective study of admissions to two hospitals on the islands of Vanuatu in the southwestern Pacific region. We estimated the annual hospital admission rate for fish poisoning to be 65 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 55−75)/100,000 population on the island of Santo and 29 (95% CI = 19−43)/100,000 population on the island of Ambae. Hospital admission was more common in males20−29 years old. Death was a rare complication. In the face of increases in both tourism and in the global trade in tropical and exotic fish, physicians in both endemic and non-endemic areas should be familiar with the epidemiology and clinical features of this important condition. [author abstract] [Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 68(2), 2003, pp. 263–266]
• Developing a Toolkit to Improve Water Quality At Blacksands: A Demonstration of Solar Water Pasteurization
  "Vanuatu is fortunate in that much of the country has plentiful springs, streams, and rivers that provide drinking water for the rural population. Port Vila, the capitol of Vanuatu, is even luckier because Unelco, the water utility provider, provides piped water to most businesses and residences in town. However, just outside of town there is a settlement called Blacksands where there are severe water supply problems… Blacksands is a marginalized community of mostly low income households. There are no municipal water or sanitation services available in Blacksands. People in Blacksands are dependant on water from the Tagabe River or water from open boreholes to supply all of their water needs. Blacksands is situated at the mouth of the Tagabe River making it vulnerable to all upstream pollution. By the time the Tagabe River reaches Blacksands it is very polluted. The groundwater from the boreholes is also heavily contaminated with organic pollutants. Most households’ sanitation needs are met by pit toilets. As the water table is not very deep, the effluent from these toilets seeps readily into the groundwater making this water unfit to drink by any standards. As a result, residents of Blacksands are vulnerable to a wide variety of water based disorders, including: (i) Waterborne diseases. These are diseases which are the direct result of consuming contaminated water, such as diarrhea. (ii) Water-washed diseases. These are the effect of inadequate quantities of water for personal hygiene and/or the use of un-hygienic practices which contaminate water and cause disease. Without enough water, skin and eye infections are easily spread, as are the faecal-oral diseases. (iii) Water based diseases and water-related vector-borne diseases. These diseases are caused by standing water which provides an essential habitat for mosquitoes and other parasitic hosts that cause human diseases. Malaria is the obvious example of this type of disease... The primary objective of this project is to demonstrate ways to improve water quality in the Blacksands Area through solar water pasteurization." [Vanuatu Renewable Energy and Power Association, December 2005]
• Evaluation of a rural sanitation program in Vanuatu with management recommendations
  This 2005 article by Tyler Stitt, published in the Journal of Rural and Tropical Public Health (4: 1-9), states that, "In 1988, a rural sanitation program was initiated on Vanuatu with funds from UNICEF Pacific. The Ministry of Health aimed to increase the use of Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines from 12% to 65% by providing materials to construct nearly 20,000 VIP latrines. When foreign funds ceased in 2001, the Ministry of Health (MOH) surveyed the communities and found that approximately 60% of the constructed latrines were in poor condition or not in use. Between 28 Nov and 9 Dec 2003, I conducted community focus groups and latrine surveys with 19 villages in three geographic regions on Tanna Island, in Tafea Province, Vanuatu, and interviewed the regional health nurses in these regions. My findings indicate that VIP toilets are not widely used on Tanna, as a result of inadequate knowledge on latrine construction and maintenance, and the ventilation pipe, meant to reduce flies and odor, is used improperly. The sanitation program on Tanna needs to be reinstated, but should target a small number of communities at a time to ensure that community education and capacity building are specific to the needs of each village. The MOH will need to trial innovative ways to train and pay for community-level sanitation officers; suggestions are provided in this report." [author abstract]
• Evaluation of the program to eliminate lymphatic filariasis in Vanuatu following two years of mass drug administration Implementation: results and methodologic approach
  This report presents the results of the Vanuatu mid-term evaluation of the lymphatic filariasis elimination program being implemented countrywide. Vanuatu is one of the first countries to initiate this program as part of the Global Program for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis, based on a five-year annual mass drug administration (MDA) of albendazole and diethylcarbamazine and complemented in Vanuatu by extensive coverage with bed nets. This paper reports results of 561 persons tested at eight sentinel sites following two years of MDA. Coverage was 72% and bed net use was more than 70%. Antigen prevalence was reduced by 63% (from 22% to 8%) and prevalence of microfilaremia prevalence was reduced by 93% (from 12% to 0.8%). Results of surveys of health workers and the community are also reported, and the methodology used for this evaluation is discussed. [author abstract] [Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg., 73(4), 2005, pp. 753–758]
• Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) Infection in Women Attending an Antenatal Clinic in the South Pacific Island Nation of Vanuatu
  Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in women in an antenatal clinic in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu. Study Design: A prevalence survey of sexually transmitted infections of pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic at Vila Central Hospital was conducted in 1999-2000. Serum samples were tested for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results for other sexually transmitted infections and demographic and obstetric variables were analyzed for their association with HSV-2 serostatus. Results: HSV-2 serum antibody results were obtained on 535 women and HSV-1 results on 134. The seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 30% and HSV-1 was 100%. On multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of HSV-2 infection were age, marital status, and trichomoniasis. Conclusions: HSV-2 was common in this sample of sexually active women in Vanuatu. This is the first study of HSV in Vanuatu and one of very few studies in the Pacific region. [author abstract] [click on Article as PDF for access] [Sexually Transmitted Diseases: May 2007 - Volume 34 - Issue 5 - pp 258-261]
• Intentional injury reported by young people in the Federated States of Micronesia, Kingdom of Tonga and Vanuatu
  Background: Intentional injury presents a threat to the physical and psychological well being of young people, especially in developing countries, which carry the greatest part of the global injury burden. While the importance of this problem is recognized, there are limited population data in low and middle income countries that can guide public health action. The present study investigates the prevalence and distribution of intentional injury among young people in three Pacific Island societies, and examines behavioural and psychosocial factors related to risk of intentional injury. Methods: Population surveys were conducted with students aged 11–17 years in Pohnpei State in the Federated States of Micronesia (n = 1495), the Kingdom of Tonga (n = 2808) and Vanuatu (n = 4474). Surveys measured self-reported injury and intentional injury, sources of intentional injury, and the range of behavioural, psychological, educational and social variables that may be related to injury risk. Results: Among boys and girls aged 14–17 years the respective period prevalence of intentional injury was 62% and 56% in Pohnpei, 58% and 41% in Tonga, and 33% and 24% in Vanuatu. The prevalence of intentional injury declined with age in Tonga and Vanuatu, but there was little evidence of an age-trend in Pohnpei. Across the three societies, the major sources of intentional injury among boys were 'other persons' followed by boyfriends/girlfriends and fathers. Mothers, boyfriends/ girlfriends and other persons were primary sources of injury among girls. An intentional injury was reported more often by those who had been bullied (OR 1.40–1.66, P < 0.05), by regular smokers in Tonga and Vanuatu (OR 1.52–2.21, P < 0.05), and illicit drug users in Pohnpei and Vanuatu (OR 1.87–1.92, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Intentional injury was reported extensively in these three populations. Interventions directed towards the school environment and which take into account the role of bullying and drug use need to be considered. [author abstract] [BMC Public Health 2008, 8: 145]
• Lessons from the Pacific programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis: a case study of 5 countries
  Background: Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) is an important Neglected Tropical Disease, being a major cause of disability worldwide. The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis aims to eliminate LF as a public health problem by the year 2020, primarily through repeated Mass Drug Administration (MDA). The Pacific region programme commenced in 1999. By June 2007, five of the eleven countries classified as endemic had completed five MDA campaigns and post-MDA prevalence surveys to assess their progress. We review available programme data and discuss their implications for other LF elimination programs in developing countries. Methods: Reported MDA coverage and results from initial surveys and post-MDA surveys of LF using the immunochromatographic test (ICT) from these five Pacific Island countries (Tonga, Niue, Vanuatu, Samoa and Cook Islands) were analysed to provide an understanding of their quality and programme progress towards LF elimination. Denominator data reported by each country programme for 2001 was compared to official sources to assess the accuracy of MDA coverage data. Results: Initial survey results from these five countries revealed an ICT prevalence of between 2.7 and 8.6 percent in individuals tested prior to commencement of the programme. Country MDA coverage results varied depending on the source of denominator data. Of the five countries in this case study, three countries (Tonga, Niue and Vanuatu) reached the target prevalence of <1% antigenaemia following five rounds of MDA. However, endpoint data could not be reliably compared to baseline data as survey methodology varied. Conclusion: Accurate and representative baseline and post-campaign prevalence data is crucial for determining program effectiveness and the factors contributing to effectiveness. This is emphasised by the findings of this case study. While three of the five Pacific countries reported achieving the target prevalence of <1% antigenaemia, limitations in the data preclude identification of key determinants of this achievement. [author abstract] [BMC Infectious Diseases 2009, 9: 92]
• Nutrition Country Profiles – Vanuatu
  "Vanuatu’s traditional staple foods are root crops, such as yam and taro, although starchy fruits such as plantain and breadfruit are also seasonally important. The consumption of traditional foods was highest in the rural and lowest in the urban areas. Consumption of imports such as rice, fat/oils, canned and fresh meat/fish, milk and bread was highest in the urban and lowest in the rural areas. The rise in non-communicable diseases has been attributed, in part, to this transition away from traditional foods in favour of imported ones… Infant feeding practices immediately after birth are encouraging with almost all mothers breast-feeding their babies within the first day of birth. There are no significant differences between urban and rural practices. The length of breast-feeding and abrupt weaning practices however, are of concern, with one-quarter of infants under two months of age receiving complementary foods. The high prevalence of stunting in the second year of life may be attributed to these practices… Adult malnutrition is in the form of over nutrition, with an increasing prevalence of overweight, obesity, type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases… Cardiovascular diseases have been the leading cause of mortality for the past decade. Hypertension and diabetes are also of concern… Other than iron deficiency anaemia, very little has been studied regarding micronutrient deficiencies… more research and awareness programmes need to be implemented to provide a better analysis of Vanuatu's health status and to encourage a healthy lifestyle, especially in the urban community." [FAO (Rome, Italy), August, 2003]
• Opportunities to Improve Social Services in Vanuatu: Summary Report
  Vanuatu is a relatively traditional Pacific island country. About 80 percent of its population is rural, and poor. The economic divide between the country’s urban and rural populations is extreme. Like many other countries in the region, Vanuatu has high levels of public and private social service investment and, given this investment, is trying to obtain better outcomes and better performance from service providers. This summary report draws on a much longer study of Vanuatu that was completed by The World Bank in 2005. [publication summary] [World Bank, 2006]
• Urban informal settlements in Vanuatu: Challenge for equitable development
  "The study aims to assess the extent and nature of informal settlements in Vanuatu and identify ways to address social, planning and land issues affecting these settlements; that is to: (i) Provide a social and planning assessment of squatter settlement development in the Port Vila and Luganville urban areas; (ii) Review traditional, and administrative structures with respect to urban settlement management and administration; and (iii) Assess social development needs of tenants-squatters and outline how best these can be met. As part of this study, a household survey was conducted in informal settlements in Port Vila and Luganville. Other information was gathered through interviews with government departments, other agencies involved in urban planning and management, and with NGOs that assist the residents of these settlements. An informal settlement is one where people live in a way that does not accord with urban land-use or housing regulations and laws. While the name ‘squatter settlement’ is more commonly used than ‘informal settlement’, the second name is used here because it is more inclusive and accurate for the situation in Vanuatu." [Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Pacific Operation Centre, November 2002]
• Vanuatu: Country Profile
  "SPC country profiles document the nature and extent of the organisation’s services to individual members. This country profile presents basic country facts and a synopsis of Vanuatu’s development background and a narrative summary of the Secretariat’s assistance during 2008. Annexes include specific SPC country activities and human resource development activities." [Secretariat of the Pacific Community, October 2008]
• Vanuatu: country profile [Malaria]
  "The National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme in Vanuatu implements the conventional malaria strategies in line with the RBM strategic approaches. It aims to provide timely access to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment and to ITNs for the entire population. Chemoprophylaxis using CQ for pregnant women attending prenatal care services is a complementary preventive measure. In the 1990s, the NMCP had succeeded in reducing malaria morbidity significantly, and mortality caused by malaria was zero as the result of a large-scale ITN intervention. The trend showed a significant reduction of annual parasite incidence from 196/1000 in 1990 to 28/1000 in 1999. In recent years, however, malaria morbidity increased as a result of both human and financial constraints that have reduced the capacity to sustain the intervention programme, and in 2003 malaria was back to the 1992 level. Based on current figures from HIS, the annual parasite incidence in 2003 was 74/1000. The real figure is probably three times higher than that reported as a result of low diagnostic services coverage. In 2003, there were 756 reported severe malaria cases, including 6 malaria related deaths, the first reported since 1990 although it is highly likely that there were unreported deaths during this period." [Roll Back Malaria Monitoring and Evaluation, 2005]
• Vanuatu: “Plus 5” Review of the 2002 Special Session on Children and World Fit for Children Plan of Action – Country Report
  "Vanuatu is striving to attain goals set forth by the Convention of the Rights of the Child and the Millennium Development Goals, both of which have much in common with the goals and targets in the WFFC initiative. Progress in each initiative is visible but not easily measurable. Some indicators showed some progresses whereas a few showed the opposite. How much the progress has been pushed forward in real terms is often difficult to assess due to a lack of updated data . Vanuatu faces formidable development issues. The Mid Decade Review of the WFFC demonstrates that, although several important child centred initiatives have been put in place since 2002, there remains the very real task of implementing them. A lack of funding, insufficient capacity, a rising youth population, environmental pressures and the negative effects of globalization present the country with challenges." [UNICEF, c2007]
• Water safety plan: Water supply description assessment – Vanuatu
  "Water supply falls under several authorities in Vanuatu. The Department of Rural Water Supply within the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has responsibility for rural water supply systems countrywide. The Public Works Department under the Ministry of Public Utilities and Infrastructure is responsible for the Luganville town piped water supply and for a number of provincial centres countrywide. UNELCO is a French-owned private utility contracted by government to provide electricity to the two urban centres. For 12 years UNELCO has also managed and operated the Port Vila water supply system. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is responsible for water quality surveillance of all water supply systems, reinforced by the 1994 Public Health Act." [Water Safety Plans Programme- Vanuatu (SOPAC, WHO & AusAID), 2006]

Educational Resources

• CDC - Travel Information : Australia and the South Pacific
• Jon Frum Movement - "Cargo cults are usually revivalist, and in some cases messianic and millenarian, movements found among certain peoples indigenous to Oceania. The word cargo refers to foreign goods possessed by Europeans; cult adherents believe that such goods belong to themselves and that, with the help of ancestral spirits, the goods can be returned to them through magico-religious means. Some cult prophets promise that the arrival of cargo will herald a period of prosperity and well-being. Such movements represent the efforts of local inhabitants to cope with problems arising from contact with foreign cultures acculturation"
• Vanuatu - an introduction - this is a lovely site, because it is organised almost according to the ways of life of the Pacific. It takes time to download each page because they are full of graphics, but it's fun to spend this time with Vanuatu - well, at least if you can afford it in terms of server-fees!
• Vanuatu-Net - another Internet provider covering the islands of Vanuatu, particular focus on economy and tourism, check it out