Sixteen health workers from South Santo, West Coast, Northern Provincial Hospital, and rural health facilities in Sanma have completed a four-day training on disability and mental health held from 9th-12th September.

The program aimed to equip healthcare workers of Sanma Province, including Northern Provincial Hospital, dispensaries, and health centres, with essential skills to provide quality, inclusive services for people living with disabilities and those experiencing mental health conditions.

Peter Masanga, Registered Nurse of Nokuku Health Centre, one of the participants, shared his experience: “After participating in this training, I am now planning to include a disability representative in the health centre committee,” said Masanga.

“It’s important to observe and support people with disabilities who may live with impairments and barriers that isolate them. Through this training, I can better advocate for them in the community and strengthen my understanding of disability and mental health issues.”

Manager of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent and Child Health (RMNCAH) for Sanma Province and lead of this activity, Sunsan Wokeke said the first point of contact in communities are healthcare workers. “This training equips them with the knowledge and skills to respond with care and compassion, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing essential health services,” she said.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said the training ensures that communities across Sanma’s area councils can now access more inclusive care closer to home.

The initiative was led by Sanma Provincial Health, in partnership with Mind Care (Ministry of Health), the Vanuatu Society of People with Disabilities, and the Vanuatu Disability Promotion and Advocacy Association, with support from the Vanuatu–Australia Health Partnership, funded by the Australian Government.