The Vanuatu Ministry of Health joins the global community in marking World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day, marked every year on 30 January. It aims to raise awareness and accelerate actions to combat NTDs that continue to affect millions worldwide. This year’s theme highlights the importance of health equity and sustained efforts to eliminate preventable and treatable diseases.
Press Releases
The Ministry of Health wishes to update the public on the current influenza-like-illness(ILI) ,or flu-like-illness,on Efate Island, Shefa Province. According to the latest surveillance report of the Ministry of Health covering the period from 13 January to 19 January 2025, a total 504 confirmed cases of ILI have been recorded on Efate. The majority of cases have been detected in the communities of Ohlen, Mele, and Bladiniere, with more than 25 cases followed by Teouma, Manples, Tagabe, Freshwota, with no death.
The Ministry of Health wishes to update the public on the current influenza or flu situation on Efate Island. According to the latest surveillance report of the Ministry of Health covering the period from 30 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, a total of 360 confirmed cases of flu have been recorded at Vila Central Hospital. The majority of cases have been detected in the communities of Ohlen, Mele, and Bladiniere, with no death. The high number of cases makes it an outbreak of flu on Efate Island.
Public Advisory
The Ministry of Health would like to update the public on the current dengue situation in Vanuatu. According to the Surveillance Report number 6, covering the period from 28 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, there has been one (1) positive dengue case detected on 31 December 2024 at Vila Central Hospital. This case is locally acquired and hospitalized. It is important to note that even one case is regarded as an outbreak.
Port Vila, 14 October 2022; Global Handwashing Day (GHD) is celebrated each year on October 15th to increase global awareness of the importance of handwashing with soap. Handwashing with soap and clean water is among the most effective and inexpensive ways to prevent diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, which have claimed the lives of millions of children all over the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, personal hygienic practices, especially handwashing with soap, is one of the key life-saving behaviours.