Vanuatu is getting closer to eliminating malaria, however health officials say the fight is not over yet.
After World Malaria Day on April 25, the Ministry of Health (MOH) repeated its message under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.”
The country has made strong progress, while some provinces are still facing cases.
One major success is that no one has died from malaria in Vanuatu since 2012. This has continued for more than 10 years, even though there are still cases in some areas. Health workers say this shows that early testing and treatment are working well.
Different Situation Across Provinces
Some provinces are doing very well, while others still have challenges.
- Tafea Province has had zero local malaria cases since 2014 and has been malaria-free since 2017.
- From 2021 to 2025, 24 islands in Malampa, Shefa, and Torba also reported no local malaria cases.
But malaria is still present in other places:
- Sanma Province has the highest number of cases, making up about 70% of the 2,059 cases in 2025.
- Torba and Malampa Provinces still have some outbreaks, even though some islands are malaria-free.
- Shefa Province has fewer cases.
- Penama Province has low numbers, but malaria has not been fully stopped.
Progress Over the Years
The Ministry of Health says this progress comes from strong teamwork between government, communities, and partners.
Some key actions include:
- Giving out mosquito nets to families
- Using rapid tests to check people quickly
- Providing proper treatment in health centres
- Improving systems to track and respond to cases
- Teaching communities how to prevent malaria
In 2025, more than 76,000 mosquito nets were given out, especially to pregnant women and young children.
Challenges Still There
Malaria is harder to control in rural and remote islands. Some of the main challenges are:
- Difficult travel and access to health services
- Weather and environment that help mosquitoes grow
- Movement of people between islands
- Need for more funding and trained health workers
Cases also increased after COVID-19, showing that efforts must continue.
Next Steps
The Ministry says Vanuatu is now at an important point. Malaria can be eliminated, but action must continue.
Plans include:
- More mosquito nets in high-risk areas
- Health outreach to remote communities
- Better tracking of cases
- Training for health workers
Everyone Has a Role
The Ministry reminds people that everyone can help by:
- Sleeping under mosquito nets every night
- Cleaning areas with standing water
- Going to the clinic early if they have fever
- Taking full treatment if diagnosed
Vanuatu has already shown that malaria deaths can be stopped. Now, the goal is to stop malaria completely across the whole country.
