Ten babies were born at Vanuatu National Hospital (VNH) on January 1, 2026, a sharp increase compared to just one birth recorded on the same date in 2025. The highest number of New Year’s Day births remains 11, recorded in 2024.
Hospital delivery records show that between January and November 2025, a total of 3,392 babies were delivered at VNH, highlighting mounting pressure on the country’s main referral hospital and its maternity services.
Growing Population, Rising Demand
Vanuatu’s population is steadily increasing and is currently estimated at around 300,000, with an annual growth rate exceeding 1.5 percent. This growth continues to place increased demand on essential health services, particularly maternal and newborn care.
(CountryReports.org, 2023)
Early Discharges Raise Concerns
At VNH, pressure on maternity services has resulted in mothers being discharged just hours after giving birth, far below the 18–28 hours of postnatal observation recommended for both mothers and newborns under international standards.
(WHO Postnatal Care Guidelines, 2022)
A source speaking to VBTC News described the situation as an ongoing challenge caused by limited beds and resources that have failed to keep pace with rising birth numbers.
Limited Beds, Limited Options
The maternity ward currently has 34 beds and four delivery beds, which must accommodate women in labor, delivery, and postnatal recovery.
Due to these constraints, many mothers are sent home almost just hours after giving birth to make room for incoming patients.
“This does not follow postnatal care standards of 18–28 hours, but beds must be freed for the next mother in labor,” the source said.
Mothers Share Their Experience
An anonymous mother who recently gave birth at VNH described her experience as stressful and frightening.
“I was only allowed to stay a few hours after giving birth. I didn’t feel ready to leave, but they said the bed was needed for the next woman in labor. It was scary and stressful, especially for my baby,” she said.
Calls for Improvement Unanswered
Efforts by the hospital’s Infection Control Unit to propose improvements to the maternity ward have reportedly gone unaddressed, leaving the hospital unable to deliver the standard of care expected of a national referral facility.
While some government support exists, the source noted that much of the assistance comes from the public and recovered patients. Recent donations include 46 chairs from parliamentary staff and an additional 20 chairs donated by Speaker of Parliament Stephen Felix.
Infrastructure Falls Short of Standards
According to national health planning standards, maternity wards should have one labor bed for every 250 expected annual births to ensure safe and effective care.
With thousands of births occurring at VNH each year, the hospital’s current infrastructure falls well below this benchmark, highlighting an urgent need for expansion and improved resources.
(Vanuatu Ministry of Health, Role Delineation Policy, 2021)
