By Blox Content Management
Copyright dailypost
The Ministry of Health (MOH), in partnership with development partners, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving health services across communities through the revitalisation of the Village Health Workers (VHW) Program and strengthening primary health care delivery.
Public health managers from provincial health teams, VHW provincial officers, and development partners recently convened to review progress in community health, identify existing challenges, and collaboratively plan the next steps for the health sector.
The meeting included findings from the Community Health Assessment, which showed the essential role VHW play in delivering health services to families, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
Discussions also focused on shaping the upcoming VHW Strategic Plan, which will guide efforts to strengthen primary health care and improve coordination between provincial health teams and national programs.
Director of Public Health, Dr Jenny Stephens, said VHW are the first responders to urgent health issues and emergencies in rural communities.
“Through our partnership with UNICEF, VAHP, VRCS, and World Vision, we are building a stronger, more responsive system that ensures every Ni-Vanuatu has access to health care, no matter where they live,” she said.
Feedback from participants was consolidated into a shared vision for improving services. Recommendations were agreed upon to guide the finalisation of the Strategic Plan, with clear next steps identified to ensure effective coordination and implementation.
The MOH added that closer collaboration with provincial field health workers reflects Vanuatu’s commitment to ensuring equitable, community-based health services.
