Locations
A malaria-free Vanuatu, contributing to the good health and well-being of the population
Overview
This initiative supports Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health in realizing its vision of a ‘malaria-free Vanuatu’ by 2031. Through strategic interventions, the initiative aims to eliminate local malaria transmission across all provinces while building a sustainable and resilient health system. Key activities include providing long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets (LLINs), improving malaria case management and strengthening health information management and human resource capacity.
Donor: Global Fund
Implementers: UNDP serves as the interim Principal Recipient, working in close partnership with the Ministry of Health, civil society organizations and bi- and multi-lateral partners.
Technical assistance: World Health Organization
Period: 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026
Countries covered: Vanuatu
Context
Vanuatu has achieved significant progress in malaria control, reducing cases from around 15,000 in 2003 to 413 in 2021, with no reported malaria deaths since 2012. These achievements have been driven by widespread access to diagnostic tools and testing, effective treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapy, high coverage of LLINs, community engagement, enhanced surveillance and targeted technical assistance.
However, new challenges threaten gains. In 2022 and 2023, an unexpected surge in cases disrupted the trajectory toward elimination, largely due to interruptions in health services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Geographical barriers, frequent cyclones and inadequate infrastructure hinder timely health service delivery, while climate change, poor sanitation and high mosquito prevalence in coastal zones exacerbate malaria risks.
Confirmed malaria cases and annual parasite index (2019-2023).
What we do
The initiative works towards reducing indigenous malaria cases by 2028 and attaining World Health Organization certification of malaria-free status by 2031. It builds on existing successes while addressing emerging challenges to create sustainable, community-driven solutions.
Key objectives include:
- Prevention: Maintain universal LLINs coverage and reduce malaria transmission in high burden areas through indoor residual spraying.
- Surveillance: Roll out nation-wide case-based surveillance and response using the “1-7-60” approach to ensure rapid identification and control of outbreaks.
- Diagnosis and treatment: Ensure all fever cases for malaria are tested and provide prompt radical treatment and care for all confirmed cases in line with national guidelines.
- Community engagement: Mobilize communities through health promotion campaigns and foster a multi-sectoral effort to accelerate malaria elimination.
- Integration with disaster response: Embed malaria prevention, surveillance and case management into disaster preparedness and response activities to ensure continuity during crises.
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