The 6-year Strategy charts a practical course to modernise healthcare, strengthen data for decision‑making, and connect patients to quality care across every inhabited island. It aligns with the National Sustainable Development Plan and the Health Sector Strategy 2021–2030, focusing on five pillars: stronger health information, universal health coverage, continuity of care, climate‑resilient health services, and foundational workforce and infrastructure.

Despite delays from the December 17, 2024 earthquake, the Ministry of Health and partners have kept momentum. The Strategy remains on track for 2025, with priority work underway, including rollout of the country’s first National Electronic Immunisation Registry.

Pacific Development’s Managing Partner, Lauro Vives, led the Strategy as the World Health Organization’s Health Information and Digital Health Advisor, working with the Ministry of Health and partners. Consultations across all provinces and care levels produced a country‑led, standards‑based, costed roadmap that safeguards privacy, improves data quality, and prioritises simple, reliable solutions for clinics, health centres, and hospitals across Vanuatu.

The Strategy brings practical innovations that make a difference on the ground, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). A National Electronic Health Record will link care across facilities. Telemedicine will bring specialist support to provincial hospitals and primary care. Connected diagnostics will integrate laboratory and radiology results so clinicians can act faster and avoid repeat tests. Climate and health early warning tools, powered by better data and analytics, will help services continue during cyclones and disease outbreaks.

“From the reef to the highlands, we sail as one vaka moana across the Vanuatu archipelago,” said Lauro Vives. “Less paper, more care, and the right information in the right hands when it matters most. Thank you to the Ministry of Health, provincial teams, and partners for steering the vaka with purpose.”

For a copy of the Vanuatu Digital Health Strategy 2025-2030, visit:  http://bit.ly/4fUln19

About Pacific Development Consulting

Pacific Development Consulting is a Port Vila–based consulting firm serving Pacific governments and partners. We specialise in digital transformation, and results‑driven program delivery across all government sectors.