Vanuatu’s Resilient Recovery: Overcoming Health Crises in the Wake of a 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake

On 17 December 2024, a formidable 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit near Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu, affecting over one-quarter of the nation’s inhabitants. The calamity inflicted considerable destruction on residences, health facilities, and additional infrastructures, leaving communities in this South Pacific island nation deprived of sufficient food, water, and sanitation. Fourteen individuals lost their lives in the earthquake, while hundreds sustained injuries. Almost 1500 individuals remain displaced, seeking refuge in evacuation centers or with host families.

In the wake of the devastation, Vanuatu has exhibited exceptional perseverance. Health facilities in and surrounding Port Vila were up and running shortly after the earthquake, assuring ongoing access to healthcare. Decentralized outpatient services have alleviated the strain on the main health facility, Vila Central Hospital, enabling it to concentrate on more complicated and pressing cases. Vanuatu’s health leaders, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, offered lifesaving services in the minutes, hours, and days following the earthquake, continuing their efforts to care for those in need. The response is further bolstered by a consortium of partners such as WHO, who have aided in evaluations of damaged health facilities, coordinated the deployment of international emergency medical teams (EMTs), and disseminated vital information in local languages.

Rapid response lays the foundation for Vanuatu’s recovery

Vanuatu is familiar with disasters, possessing a history of earthquakes and tropical cyclones, including major storms that caused extensive devastation such as Tropical Cyclone Pam in 2015 and Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020, as well as consecutive Tropical Cyclones Judy and Kevin in 2023. Throughout the years, the nation has cultivated robust disaster response capacities and systems, facilitating prompt responses and swift transitions to recovery following such occurrences.

The recent earthquake presented significant obstacles, as damaged facilities and disrupted communications initially hindered needs assessments and the coordination of responses. Nevertheless, the quick deployment of satellite technologies rapidly addressed many of these challenges. Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health (MOH), with assistance from WHO and other collaborators, promptly activated incident management systems and organized operations from the National, Provincial, and Vila Central Hospital Health Emergency Operations Centres. These centres lead and coordinate the health response, guided by objectives laid out in the response and recovery plan.

The earthquake also inflicted psychological trauma, with numerous individuals struggling to manage loss, uncertainty, and fear. Mental health and psychosocial support capacities, along with clear communication, became essential in addressing the urgent needs of the communities. Vanuatu’s MOH, with backing from WHO, prepared public health messages focusing on safe water access, injury prevention during aftershocks, and sanitation in evacuation centers, ensuring that communities received timely and pertinent information.

Emergency medical teams at the forefront of response endeavors

Within the first 24 hours, EMTs—highly skilled teams consisting of doctors, nurses, paramedics, and logistics specialists—were quickly deployed to deliver immediate care, including treating injuries, conducting surgeries, and assisting with childbirth. Services were provided at Vila Central Hospital and in outpatient health facilities, ensuring the continued availability of critical medical services throughout the region.

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

“The aftermath of this earthquake serves as a stark reminder of how disasters profoundly affect people’s health and well-being. From treating injuries to restoring essential health services, timely responses make a significant difference,” stated Ms. Sharin Vile, MOH Senior Disaster Officer co-leading Vanuatu’s EMT Coordination Cell (EMTCC) and the Vanuatu Medical Assistance Team (VanMAT), Vanuatu’s own EMT that adheres to international standards established by WHO to ensure their services align with global best practices. Since 2017, Vanuatu’s MoH and WHO, with financial backing from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, collaborated to ensure that VanMAT is prepared for deployment, with trained personnel, necessary equipment, and supplies readily available, along with detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This readiness allows the team to respond independently to emergencies such as this earthquake while integrating international EMT aid when necessary.

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

By enhancing local capacities, supporting vulnerable populations, and fostering regional partnerships, Vanuatu is transforming this crisis into an opportunity to reconstruct a more resilient health system. “We are standing by our communities, cooperating and healing together to rebuild Port Vila so that we are even better prepared for future disasters,” remarked Sharin Vile, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to long-term recovery and preparedness.