Safe Water, Safe Care: A New Era for Vanuatu’s Healthcare Facilities

Torba Province, Vanuatu, 3 July 2025 – In Shefa and Torba Provinces, more than 13,000 people, including 5,000 children, will now have access to 10 healthcare facilities equipped with clean, safe, and climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. This vital upgrade is expected to significantly improve health outcomes and strengthen the well-being of entire communities.

Funded by the Government of Japan* and implemented by UNICEF under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, this handover is in addition to 12 healthcare facilities that have already been upgraded with WASH facilities across Shefa and Torba Provinces as well as in Pentecost, Tanna, and Malekula.

"These upgraded WASH facilities are a major step forward in our efforts to provide safer, more reliable healthcare, especially in rural and remote areas. Clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene are basic needs, but they are also critical tools for preventing disease and protecting our patients and health workers,” said Vanuatu Ministry of Health’s Director General, Ms. Shirley Tokon. “We are grateful for the strong partnership with the Government of Japan and UNICEF, and we remain committed to maintaining these improvements, so that our health facilities continue to serve our people well - every day and during emergencies.”

Despite progress, the lack of reliable WASH infrastructure remained a critical barrier to delivering safe and effective care. This not only compromised infection prevention but also the dignity and safety of patients as well as healthcare workers.

According to the 2024 Joint Monitoring Programme, 28 per cent of healthcare facilities in Vanuatu lacked basic water services, 91 per cent were without basic sanitation, and 87 per cent had no waste management systems. Additionally, 73 per cent lacked essential hygiene infrastructure, such as handwashing stations with soap and water. Alarmingly, fewer than one in five facilities met the minimum standards for basic sanitation.

“The Government of Japan remains committed to supporting the health and well-being of the people of Vanuatu. I would like to express my deep appreciation to UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, and all healthcare workers for their continued efforts,” said the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Vanuatu, H.E. Mr. OKUDA Naohisa. “It is crucial that the Government of Japan, UNICEF, and the Government of Vanuatu continue to collaborate to make Vanuatu healthier and safer."

With the completion of these upgrades, the facilities are now better equipped to provide safe, uninterrupted care for children and their families. At the same time, they provide a safer working environment for healthcare workers by reinforcing critical infection prevention and control measures.

These improvements also show how important it is to regularly maintain healthcare facilities and be prepared for tropical cyclones. In a region frequently exposed to extreme weather events, ensuring that healthcare facilities remain operational and resilient is essential. Well-maintained WASH infrastructure not only supports day-to-day healthcare services but also plays a crucial role in emergency response, helping communities withstand and recover from climate-related shocks.

“Every child, every mother, and every healthcare worker deserve to be in a facility that protects their health and upholds their dignity,” said UNICEF Pacific’s Chief of Vanuatu Field Office, Mr. Eric Durpaire. “These WASH upgrades are not just about infrastructure - they are about saving lives, restoring trust in healthcare, and building resilience in communities. UNICEF is deeply thankful to the Government and people of Japan for their generous support in making this possible.”

The ten facilities include Vaemali, Silimauri, Mataka, Hanington, and Loh Health Centres, together with Ngala, Amboh, Tavalapa, Womal as well as Tegua/Toga Dispensaries.

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* The WASH facilities are part of the Government of Japan’s commitment to supporting UNICEF's efforts in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on children's health and well-being in Vanuatu. This WASH in healthcare facilities partnership that covers 22 healthcare facilities throughout the country also aims at enhancing preparedness for future pandemics as well as building resilience to climate change.