As the nation celebrates 45 years of independence, Vanuatu’s flagship national hospital—Vila Central Hospital (VCH)—marks a historic milestone: 50 years of service to the people of Vanuatu.
To honour this Golden Jubilee, the Ministry of Health, together with VCH, is proud to announce three days of celebrations from Wednesday 20 August to Friday 22 August 2025, under the inspiring theme:
"50 Years of Healing and Hope – Honouring our Roots, celebrating our Present, Innovating for the Future."
This theme pays tribute to the thousands of lives touched by the hospital, the dedicated professionals—past and present—who have served with commitment, and the forwardlooking vision to continue improving health care for all Ni-Vanuatu.
Golden Jubilee Celebration Program
- Wednesday 20 August: Parade, official opening ceremony, health awareness sessions, and career information booths
- Thursday 21 August: Health awareness sessions, career information booths, and a school tree-planting activity
- Friday 22 August: VCH Open Day, ongoing health awareness and career information booths
Side Activities to Promote Health and Community Spirit
In the lead-up to the official events, a “Fierce and Fit” soccer tournament, coordinated by the Port Vila Football Association with support from the Ministry of Health, is already engaging communities. The final match will be held on Saturday 23 August 2025.
More than just a sporting event, the tournament aims to promote healthy lifestyles and the importance of regular physical activity. Football players serve as health ambassadors, helping to raise awareness before, during, and after games. In a true show of community spirit, players and their families are also volunteering their time for renovation works at VCH—a win-win for health and infrastructure.
Call for Support
To make these celebrations truly inclusive and memorable, the Ministry of Health has engaged the private sector and invites businesses and individuals to support the VCH Golden Jubilee through in-kind or cash donations.
To contribute or get involved, please contact: Dr Nelson Tanghwa, Chair of the Vila Central Hospital’s 50-Year Golden Jubilee Celebrations Organising Committee at
A Moment to Reflect, Honour, and Reimagine
While acknowledging the existing challenges in the health system, the Ministry of Health sees this moment as an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate dedicated service, and ignite momentum for future improvements.
“The Ministry of Health is taking this opportunity to reflect on how far Vila Central Hospital has progressed over the past 50 years. While challenges remain, there have been significant improvements. From its early days as a primary care facility, VCH has evolved to provide a broader range of services, including aspects of tertiary care. This Jubilee is not only a time to celebrate that progress, but also to recognise and honour our dedicated staff—particularly our local doctors and nurses—who have been the heart of this hospital’s journey from its humble beginnings to what it is today,” said Mrs. Shirley Tokon, Director General of the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health, Vila Central Hospital and Shefa Province call on yumi evriwan to join hands in celebrating this historic milestone.