Unhealthy urban lifestyles are being identified as a major contributor to rising health issues in Port Vila, as nearly 3,000 people have flocked to a free medical outreach this week.

The “Yes to Jesus Vanuatu” campaign, led by the Vanuatu Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Mission and supported by the Ministry of Health (MOH) along with other national medical organizations such as the Vanuatu Family Health Association, is offering free health clinical check-ups at Saralana Park.

Healthcare professionals involved in this outreach say they are seeing a clear pattern: people living in urban areas are more likely to suffer from non-communicable diseases (NCD) such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and dental problems —conditions strongly linked to diet and lifestyle.

“Interestingly, people who live here in Port Vila, typically have higher blood glucose than the people living in the islands and in the remote areas,” said Ettienne McClintock from Amazing Facts Oceania- the mission’s head.

“Because they eat very naturally in those areas (islands and remote areas)- alot of fruits, they don’t have the chips and the processed food and lollies and all these other things. They (remote residents) are actually healthier.”

The outreach program includes screenings for diabetes, cervical cancer, eye and throat issues, mental health checks, and dental care which removes 20 teethes per day, according to McClintock. Many of these conditions are either caused or worsened by poor diet, lack of exercise, and urban stress.

Lekon Tari, Director of the Adventist Health Department, emphasized that access to regular healthcare remains out of reach for many — especially those who live far from clinics or cannot afford treatment.

“We have issues around medical how we seek medical treatment is expensive. And for those who live far away and have to pay for transport, which is expensive, we feel that we must take this health check-up down to the level of the community.”

The medical team, made up of 4 doctors, nurses, 3 dentists, and lifestyle coaches from the MOH mental health and NCD’s program, is not only treating patients but also providing education on healthy living — including better nutrition, physical activity, and mental well-being.

Running for two weeks across Efate and its offshore islands, the program is expected to serve over 3,000 people by the time it wraps up this Thursday.

Organizers hope the effort will spark lasting change in daily habits — especially in urban areas where lifestyle-related diseases are on the rise.