Vanuatu responds to multiple health challenges following 7.3 magnitude earthquake

On 17 December 2024, a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, impacting more than a quarter of the country's population. The disaster caused significant damage to homes, health facilities, and other infrastructure, leaving communities in this South Pacific Island nation without adequate food, water, and sanitation. Fourteen lives were lost in the earthquake, and hundreds were injured. Nearly 1500 people remain displaced, seeking shelter in evacuation centers or with host families.

Amidst the devastation, Vanuatu has shown remarkable resilience. Health facilities in and around Port Vila were operational soon after the earthquake, ensuring continued access to care. Decentralized outpatient services have eased the pressure on the main hospital, Vila Central Hospital, allowing it to focus on more complex and urgent cases. Vanuatu's health leaders, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals provided lifesaving services in the minutes, hours and days after the earthquake, continuing work to care for those in need. The response is also supported by a network of partners like WHO, who have supported assessments of damaged health facilities, coordinated deployment of international emergency medical teams (EMTs), and shared life-saving information in local languages.

Swift response paves the way for Vanuatu's recovery

Vanuatu is no stranger to disasters, with a history of earthquakes and tropical cyclones including the major storms causing vast destruction such as Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015 and Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020, as well as back-to-back Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023. Over the years, the country has developed strong disaster response capacities and systems, enabling swift response and rapid transition to recovery from such events.

The recent earthquake posed immense challenges, with damaged facilities and disrupted communication initially hindering needs assessments and response coordination. However, rapid deployment of satellite technology quickly resolved many of these issues. Vanuatu's Ministry of Health (MOH), with support from WHO and other partners, swiftly activated incident management systems and coordinated operations from the National, Provincial and Vila Central Hospital Health Emergency Operations Centres. Such centres lead and coordinate the health response guided by objectives in the response and recovery plan.

The earthquake also left psychological scars, with many struggling to cope with loss, uncertainty and fear. Mental health and psychosocial support capacities and clear communication became crucial in addressing urgent needs of the communities. Vanuatu's MOH, with support from WHO, crafted public health messages focusing on for example safe water access, injury prevention during aftershocks, and hygiene in evacuation centers, ensuring that the communities received timely and relevant information.

Emergency medical teams at the heart of response efforts

In the first 24 hours, EMTs - highly trained teams composed of doctors, nurses, paramedics, and logisticians - were quickly mobilized to provide immediate care including treating injuries, performing surgeries, and assisting with deliveries of babies. Services were offered at Vila Central Hospital and in outpatient health facilities, ensuring the continued provision of critical medical care across the region.

^{Meeting of the Vanuatu's national emergency medical team, the Vanuatu Medical Assistance Team (VanMAT), which deployed after the earthquake to the Vila Central Hospital. © WHO / P.Beauchemin}

"The aftermath of this earthquake is a stark reminder of how people's health and well-being are deeply impacted by disasters. From treating injuries to restoring vital health services, early response makes all the difference," said Ms Sharin Vile, MOH Senior Disaster Officer co-leading the Vanuatu's EMT Coordination Cell (EMTCC) and the Vanuatu Medical Assistance Team (VanMAT), Vanuatu's own EMT, which follows international standards set by WHO to ensure their services meet global best practices. Since 2017, Vanuatu's MoH and WHO, with financial support from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, worked together to ensure that VanMAT is deployment-ready, with trained team members, and essential equipment and supplies on hand, and detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This enables the team to respond self-sufficiently to emergencies such as this earthquake, and to integrate international EMT support when required.

On the day of the earthquake, Vanuatu's Ministry of Health activated the EMTCC within the National Health Emergency Operations Centre (NHEOC), positioning the national and international EMTs where they are needed most enabling the government to efficiently meet the needs of the population. Specialized international EMTs have been filling critical gaps, with over 60 professionals from Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, and teams like the Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT). They bring expertise in areas such as surgery, rehabilitation, data management, needs assessments, and maternal and mental health services and, ensuring critical care and coordination across affected areas.

By strengthening local capacities, supporting vulnerable groups, and fostering regional partnerships, Vanuatu is turning this crisis into an opportunity to rebuild a more resilient health system. "We are standing by our communities, working and healing together to rebuild Port Vila so that we are even more resilient for future disasters," said Sharin Vile, highlighting the nation's commitment to long-term recovery and preparedness.

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