Vanuatu has a population of 270,000 people (WHO,2016), spread out over more than 80 islands. Life expectancy at birth is 74 years for females and 70 years for males (WHO,2016), and the infant mortality rate is 26 per 1000 live births (WHO,2018). However, significant improvements in health indicators have taken place over the past 10 years.
Interplast has been working in Vanuatu since 1985, delivering surgical programs on an approximate annual basis since. Programs have been funded primarily by the DFAT Pacific Islands Project since its instigation in 1995, with some funding also received from Rotary clubs and districts. In addition to programs delivered at Port Vila Central Hospital, teams have also travelled to the outer islands of Santo and Tanna. While the need for access to services is great, these programs have been hampered by the travel distance and poor physical hospital resources which restrict which types of surgery can be safely undertaken.
Vanuatu has developed a 10 year Vanuatu Surgical Development Management Plan (VSDP), with surgical trainees identified with a sub-specialty interest in plastic surgery. These trainees work closely with visiting Interplast teams, and have been supported by Interplast to attend other training initiatives both in Australia and in other Pacific countries.
In addition to its annual surgical program, Interplast is now delivering specific surgical mentoring to Vanuatu, as well as support to develop local allied health services.
In the 2019/2020 financial year, Interplast will deliver a number of activities in Vanuatu, including a plastic and reconstructive surgical program, as well as nurse education and allied health education activities.
For more details, keep an eye on our Upcoming Programs, or get in touch with us!