Vanuatu

Vanuatu’s Port Vila Central Hospital undertakes first ever laparoscopic hernia surgery

It is considered a milestone for the country and Dr Richard Leona said it was undertaken with help from Chinese surgeons.

He said while the hospital has had laparoscopic instruments for some time, they lacked the capacity for this type of surgery, until the arrival of the surgeons.

Dr Leona said the surgery was successful.

     

HMS Spey brings aid to Vanuatu devastated by tropical cyclones

The offshore patrol ship's crew helped the inhabitants of the Island restore regular water supplies and brought with them three 10-tonne water tanks, among other aid and equipment.

Tanna was one of 80 islands hit by storms named Judy and Kevin within days of each other at the end of February and the beginning of March, with 120mph strong winds battering the land.

Following the storms, the international community provided initial aid to restore basic services and assist islanders.

Justice Minister receives Commission of Inquiry report into Vanuatu Maritime College

The four-member Commission is comprised of three lawyers Jona Mesao, Andrew Bal, Albert Nalpini and Sombert Gereva Deputy Director Coastal, Department of Fisheries.

The members were appointed by the previous government established, through the then Minister of Justice Esmon Simon by Regulation Order No: 120 of 2022 to enquire and compile a report on the findings as mandated under the Terms of Reference.

The COI carried out its mandate under the TOR which led to extended findings that warranted serious mismanagement matters.

MOH, WHO and EU partner to boost access to medicinal oxygen in Vanuatu

The oxygen plant has the capacity to produce over 500,000 litres of medicinal oxygen within 24 hours, able to fill a total of 74 6800-litre oxygen cylinders.

This means that in a day, approximately 25 critical COVID-19 patients can be supported with non-stop medicinal oxygen.

The oxygen plant was inaugurated in a ceremonial handover led by the Minister of Health, Rick Tchamako Mahe, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, Sujiro Seam, and WHO Vanuatu Country Officer-in-Charge Dr. Philippe Guyant yesterday.

Fijian soldiers return home after recovery assistance in Vanuatu

The soldiers left Port Vila yesterday.

Republic of the Fiji Military Forces’ Major Timoci Naivalu extended his thanks to the communities and people of Vanuatu for showing their love, care, and appreciation for their efforts.

Naivalu also thanked his officers for their efforts during the month-long deployment.

The team assisted in the distribution of rations, clearing of debris and rebuilding of houses in the affected areas.

Cruise ships return to Port Vila after devastation caused by twin cyclones

All cruise vessels to Port-Vila were temporarily suspended by the Government for safety reasons, due to the infrastructural damage caused by Tc Judy and TC Kevin in March.

P&O Carnival Pacific Adventure, with a carrying capacity of over 3000 passengers is scheduled to berth in Port-Vila on Sunday.

Natural disasters preparation training held in affected areas of Vanuatu

The training was conducted by Adventist Development and Relief Agency.

A statement said “The program, called “Disaster Ready Church” (DRC), is designed to educate community members, including youths and church leaders, on how to respond during different types of disasters, including before, during, and after a disaster strikes.”

“The participants are taught how to identify different types of disasters and what actions they should take to stay safe. They also learn how to move to evacuation centers and how to look after themselves and others at the centers.”

Vanuatu holds groundbreaking ceremony for Chiefs’ Nakamal

The Port Vila building was destroyed by fire in January.

The Daily Post reports Chief Willie Grey Plasua, President of the Malvatumauri Councils of Chiefs, spoke about the significance of the nakamal to Vanuatu's culture and history.

He said after independence, the chiefs decided to put the symbol of customs of Vanuatu in Port Vila.

A police investigation into the burning of the cultural building is still ongoing.

     

Vanuatu Ministry of Youth and Sport supports Ifira Black Bird Football Club

The competition will be held next month in Vanuatu.

The Minister for Youth and Sport Tom Ker Netvunei presented VUV 500,000 to IBBFC President, Team Manager and Executive Members recently.

“You are no longer flying the blackbird flag but you are flying the Vanuatu flag in your home ground. All the best and Vanuatu is behind you.” Minister Netvunei said.

President of IBBFC Manu Laban thanked the Vanuatu Government and the People of the Republic of Vanuatu for their support.

Women play important role in Disaster Response

The Director General (DG) at the Prime Minister’s Office, Cherol Ala, described the ongoing disaster operations as “a (team sport) because when the government moves it connects all Government agencies, development partners, and non-government organizations.”

She said for the first time, Vanuatu adopted a different approach during the response and recovery process after a natural disaster.

“We have changed the old way of work (for the transition from response to recovery) from six months to three months” she said.