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.
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“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.
