Vanuatu

Death toll of 14 is expected to rise in Vanuatu after two earthquakes near capital Port Vila plunged the nation into state of emergency; Australia has vowed immediate help

People registered to cast their vote in the Snap Election on 14 January 2025, which also includes the by-election for the northern constituency of the Port Vila City Council

Mind Care Clinic is understaff and under-budgeted, said professional Psychiatric Nurse Norah Titus, needing more resources to ensure all patients are cared for; in the department only four people, with no vehicle, have to care for the entire Vanuatu

216 people were awarded their Vanuatu Citizenship Certificates in a ceremony held at Iririki Island; under the Citizenship Act, applicants must meet specific requirements and pay fees to qualify for citizenship, thus contributing to government revenue

The final training block of the leadership and management programme for school leaders in the province of Torba has been completed

In June and July 2024, the Vanuatu Family Health Association registered 120 pregnant girls between the ages of 15 and 20; this is one of the highest figures recorded according to data manager Serah Nango

A new forensic laboratory is set to strengthen the Vanuatu Police's investigation of serious crimes; officially opened in Port Vila, the facility will enable the collection and development of stronger evidence for prosecution

A building with three classrooms for the primary school in Labultamata, Pentecost, will be constructed by the Japanese government, through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security project

The five islands of the Torres archipelago are currently facing a severe water shortage after three and a half months of drought that began in June and are asking for help

The Government of Vanuatu has taken a firm stance against the promotion and defence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual and other (LGBTQIA+) rights, including those funded by development partners or NGOs

The Ministry of Health is currently facing a serious shortage, with 1.360 vacant positions out of 2.525, according to the structure approved in 2017; of the total roles, 1.165 are filled, leaving a considerable number of unfilled positions

A team from Vision Care, a Korean medical mission, is currently in Port Vila, offering eye surgeries to help restore sight to those with severe vision problems

The Emalus Campus of the University of the South Pacific hosted its annual Open Day, a much-awaited event showcasing the university's diverse offerings