Port Vila, 07 October 2022- Preparations are well underway for the 3rd Annual Vanuatu Health Research Symposium.
The event will be held this year in Luganville from 26th to 28th of October with the theme of Evidence to Impact.
The Symposium Committee received over 50 high-quality abstracts from across the country. These gave a short summary of health research so the Committee could select the best. 35 submissions were selected for oral presentation and 17 for poster presentation. These cover topics from non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cervical cancer, mental health and road safety to infectious diseases including hepatitis, tuberculosis and COVID-19. Approaches to enhance prevention and improve clinical management with a focus on inclusivity, as well as new initiatives such as telehealth will be showcased.
The Committee congratulates everyone who submitted and notes the high quality of research being presented this year. Dr Crystal Garae, Chair of the Scientific Committee, encouraged all those working in medical, nursing, public or allied health to try to attend the Symposium, even if they will not present research.
“The committee is very impressed by the high quality and content of the abstracts received. The Committee had to make tough choices but are confident that the program is packed full of exciting research. Top notch science will be on display - and we hope to see you in Santo!”
Travel bursaries will also be awarded to some selected presenters. This year the World Health Organization will support health researchers to attend from all provinces with award winners to be announced in the coming days. Dr Moses Laman has been selected as the international keynote speaker for the Symposium. Dr Laman is Deputy Director of the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research and has published over 110 scientific papers.
The Committee acknowledges generous sponsors to date including the Ministry of Health, Therapeutic Guidelines Australia, Vanuatu Health Program, World Health Organization, Bank south pacific and Bred bank. Sponsors are still sought to ensure full impact of this exciting event and should contact Vanuatu Health Research symposium at
Contact details
Dorinda Bule
Communication officer
Department of Public Health
Tel: 678 5636472