Treatment

The hospital in New Caledonia is concerned at an already burgeoning debt for services that has not been paid by the Vanuatu Government.

Medipole Hospital says it's owed over 41 million vatu, or $US359,000 dollars, for medical treatment received by government leaders and senior civil servants.

Now it's asking for pre-payment of ten million vatu, or approximately $US87,000 dollars, before additional patients can be sent from Vanuatu.

None of nearly 500 four- to 17-year-olds from the US and Europe could tolerate even a 10th of a peanut dose.

But after taking tiny daily doses for a year, two-thirds could tolerate at least two whole peanuts.

Emily Pratt, six, told the BBC's Today programme it had made a big difference. "I couldn't have a birthday cake at parties and now I can," she said.

She can now tolerate about seven peanuts, which means she can safely eat foods even if they may contain traces of peanut.

Emily's mum, Sophie, from north London, said: "It's been a constant stress.