Twenty-six Village Health Workers from Shefa Province have gone through a two-day First Aid Training aimed at boosting emergency response in communities.

The training was delivered by Promedic Vanuatu in partnership with Shefa Health, with funding support from the Australian Government through DFAT. It covered six key modules including community first aid response, trauma and medical emergencies, CPR techniques, and mobilising help during disasters.

Cliff Kalgai Luke, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Midwife at the Vanuatu National Hospital Emergency Department, said the initiative supports the government’s decentralisation plan, which seeks to equip not only doctors and nurses but also community-based health workers with essential lifesaving skills.

He explained that Village Health Workers are often the first responders in rural areas and need to be confident in stabilising patients before they can be transported to hospitals.

Village health workers said the training has already made a difference.

Dorah Kalo from Emae said the sessions gave her the confidence to face emergencies at her aid post:

“One important thing I learnt was CPR. This is the first time for me to do it, and I now feel ready to save a life in my community.”

Thomas Frank from Nguna shared a recent example, explaining how the skills could help in serious cases:

“When a mother fell unconscious, it was difficult to transport her to Vila. With the training, I now know how to help in such an accident before moving patients to hospital.”

Kalgai emphasised that this is only the beginning, with plans to expand similar training to nurse aides, community leaders, chiefs, pastors and area administrators who also play vital roles in emergencies.

Shefa Health acknowledged Promedic Vanuatu for running the training and thanked the Australian Government for its ongoing support to strengthen health services in Vanuatu.