After being closed due to the December 2024 earthquake, Erasa Dispensary in the Nambatri area of Southern Ward has officially reopened as the Erasa Southern Ward Health Centre. The upgrade means more services and better access to care for families in the area.

Shefa Provincial Health Administrator, Morris Amos, said the rebuild wasn’t just about restoring the old facility. “We wanted to increase capacity and offer services that weren’t available before, like maternal and child health programs, antenatal care, family planning, and preventive services,” he explained.

Before renovations, patients shared just two rooms, which often caused overcrowding and raised the risk of infections.

“Now, the facility has enough space for different services so everyone—from children to expectant mothers—can get care safely,” said midwife Mathew Robinson.

The upgrade was made possible with the support of the government, Port Vila City Council, and UNFPA, which contributed about 24 million Vatu (USD 200,000) for emergency support and 5.59 million Vatu (USD 46,000) for renovations, medical equipment, and furniture.

Christian Virameme, Chairman of the Southern Ward Council of Chiefs, praised the facility: “It’s a beautiful building, and we want the services to match its quality.”

Lady Mayor Jenny Regenvanu also highlighted the importance of clean, reliable healthcare for the community.

Shirley Tokon, Director General of the Ministry of Health, said the reopening shows the power of collaboration. “Health is everyone’s business. This centre will make it easier for people in Nambatri and nearby areas to access care without traveling far,” she said.

The Erasa Health Centre in Nambatri is now ready to serve as a key healthcare hub for the Southern Ward, offering essential services closer to home for families, mothers, and children.