Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a group of around 80 islands in the Western Pacific with a population of 211,000.

Vanuatu's health system suffers from a lack of facilities and qualified staff, especially midwives, doctors and specialists. There are two hospitals - one in Port Vila and the other in Luganville. Those with serious conditions are flown to Australia, New Zealand or New Caledonia for treatment. The most common illnesses include malaria, respiratory infections and influenza. Poor water quality and accessibility contributes to skin and water-borne diseases.

All medicines have to be imported. The government has increased tariffs on medicines from 0 to 5%, with the exception of vaccines, which remain zero-rated.