From Pango to public health: Aleesha and Caroline’s journey to strengthen Vanuatu’s health sector

Apr 28, 2026 | News | 0

Aleesha Kalulu and Caroline Van Gemert come from entirely different worlds; one raised in a rural village in Vanuatu, the other a seasoned epidemiologist from Australia with decades of experience in the Pacific. But their paths converged at a critical moment in history: the COVID-19 pandemic. This is their story.

Aleesha

I fell in love with public health growing up in Pango village, seeing how our health workers help people around them with limited resources, doing the best they can with what they have. After finishing high school at Malapoa College in Port Vila, I was fortunate to receive an Australian Awards Government scholarship to study public health at the University of Canberra.

When I returned home in June 2020 – in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic – I was eager to start working in the Vanuatu health sector.

I applied at several places, but nothing came through. For months, I stayed home, feeling stuck and unsure of what direction my career would take. Eventually, I applied for a teaching assistant role at Port Vila International School (PVIS). It wasn’t part of my plan, but I needed something to keep moving forward.

Caroline

I spent years working across the Pacific working in public health and helping to manage the spread of infectious diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and outbreak prone infections such as influenza. When I first arrived in Vanuatu in early 2020, it was because my husband had accepted a teaching role at PVIS as a maths teacher.

But for me, it was also an opportunity to continue my career in research, epidemiology and global health. I had received some research funding to do research on Hepatitis B in Vanuatu.

However, this was put on hold when COVID-19 emerged, and I joined the Vanuatu Australia Health Partnership as an epidemiologist to support the National Surveillance Unit at the Ministry of Health.

Aleesha

I met Caroline through her husband, who was also a teacher at PVIS. He knew about my attempts to work in health and asked if I would be interested in meeting his wife. Shortly after meeting Caroline, she offered me an opportunity to join the surveillance team.

By March 2021, I was working with the Ministry of Health as a surveillance assistant. We were preparing for a possible COVID-19 outbreak in Vanuatu, and our work focused on setting up systems to track cases, manage quarantine and monitor vaccine safety. I felt like I was finally doing what I was trained for.

Caroline

Meeting Aleesha was unexpected. My husband mentioned a young woman at the school who had studied public health but wasn’t working in the field. We decided to invite her over for dinner, and I was blown away by how clever and astute she was.

It was obvious she had the potential to contribute far beyond the classroom. I managed to vouch for her to join the surveillance team, and the Vanuatu Australia Research team funded a position for her to work with us under a contract. Even though our team was small, we were responsible for providing technical advice for the entire country.

Aleesha

Working in surveillance opened my eyes to epidemiology. I started to understand disease patterns – who is affected, where outbreaks occur and how they spread. Everyone banded together to help their communities, especially in a time as scary as the pandemic, where we really didn’t know what was happening.

Caroline was my first exposure to the field of epidemiology, and so after setting up the vaccine safety surveillance system, I started learning about disease surveillance more broadly, and more in-depth epidemiology. It made me realise how important data and research are in making decisions that help communities.

Caroline

The COVID-19 response required quick thinking and strong collaboration, and Aleesha quickly became an essential part of that effort. She helped monitor quarantine systems, supported the outbreak response and played a key role in vaccine rollout monitoring.

At the end of 2022, I left the Vanuatu Australia Health Partnership and returned to my research with the Burnet Institute on how to prevent infections like HIV, Hepatitis B, and syphilis being spread from mother to child.

I remained in Vanuatu until the end of 2024, living opposite some of Aleesha’s family in Pango, and we set up a Burnet Institute office in Vanuatu in 2025, of which Aleesha is an important part of.

Aleesha

After my contract with the Ministry of Health ended in 2024, I joined Caroline at the Burnet Institute as a research officer, focusing on maternal and child health, and preventing mother-to-child transmission of diseases like Hepatitis B, HIV and syphilis.

What I’ve learned is that research isn’t just about collecting data, but about making sure that what we do benefits people – working with communities, listening to them and designing solutions that fit their realities.

Caroline

What stood out to me was Aleesha’s ability to connect with people at every level. During our work in Vanuatu together, she was able to connect with pregnant women from the communities we travelled to about the benefits of the work we do. She even created a Bislama video to explain our research to pregnant women, which made our work more accessible and impactful.

She is an excellent communicator of science – whether she is speaking with community members, nurses or government officials. That’s a rare skill, and it made a significant difference in how our work in Vanuatu was received.

Caroline

One of the biggest challenges we faced was that research is not always seen as a priority in Vanuatu.

There’s often a perception that action matters more than analysis. But good research ensures that action is effective. It helps us understand what communities truly need and how best to deliver it.

Aleesha played a critical role in bridging that gap. She understood the local context and could translate complex ideas into something meaningful for communities.

Aleesha

There are moments that stay with you, and one for me was the December 2024 earthquake – I was inside a building that was later condemned and demolished. It was a terrifying experience, but in that moment, I was focused on making sure others were safe. I sent messages to our team, checking on everyone, and letting our team in Australia know we were safe.

Even after that, many of us continued working to support the response. It showed me how resilient our health workers are and how deeply committed people are to helping others, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Caroline

That moment during the earthquake really showed Aleesha’s character. Whilst it was obviously very frightening, she remained calm and focused on helping others. That kind of leadership can’t be taught – it comes from within.

I see her future clearly. She will go on to lead her own research programs and mentor others, just as she has been mentored. My role is simply to support her in getting there.

Aleesha

Having someone believe in you, guide you and challenge you makes a huge difference.

I’ve learned that it’s possible to pursue your goals, build a career and still stay connected to your community. And one day, I hope to do the same for others by mentoring and supporting the next generation, just as Caroline has done for me.

Caroline

Watching Aleesha grow has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work. She’s not just a strong researcher, but a leader. I trust her judgement, especially when navigating complex situations with government and communities. And she is a mastermind about everything.

One of my proudest moments was when she was accepted into the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to pursue her master’s in epidemiology. It’s one of the top institutions in the world and balancing that alongside her work is no small achievement. It speaks to her dedication and capability.

Aleesha

My relationship with Caroline has grown beyond just work. We’ve shared meals, spent time with family and built a genuine friendship. I have visited her in Melbourne, stayed with her family, been on outings with her children and experienced a different side of life.

Seeing how she balances her career and family has been incredibly inspiring. It showed me that women can have both and that you don’t have to choose between a successful career and a fulfilling personal life.

Caroline

Those moments outside of work matter just as much. Even though I don’t usually drink kava, I’ve joined in occasionally with Aleesha.

Our connection goes beyond our professional roles. We have a deep respect for each other and a shared commitment to public health and making a difference.

I really want to see her growing her technical skills and one day leading her own research study in Vanuatu.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Skills competition brings Pacific nations together in Vanuatu October 21, 2026
Vanuatu has welcomed young skilled competitors from across the Pacific for the 2026 Vanuatu National Skills Competition and International Friendly Skills Competition, which opened in Port Vila yesterday, October 19. Competitors from Timor-Leste, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru and Kiribati have joined Vanuatu participants for the competition, which aims to promote practical skills, technical education and training opportunities for young people. Chairman of the organising committee and Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) Principal Wade Evans said the competition was an opportunity for young people to demonstrate how practical skills could contribute to national development and improve people’s lives. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Evans said the event was not only about the organisers but, more importantly, about the young people who had volunteered to represent their countries. “This competition is something that we in the Pacific, we humanists, we young, we small countries, we can make a difference by excelling in skills,” he said. He said the competition could inspire young people and communities to recognise the importance of skills in improving family livelihoods and creating opportunities for individuals. Evans also acknowledged Timor-Leste for inspiring Vanuatu to organise its own international skills competition after a Vanuatu delegation participated in a similar event there earlier this year. He thanked the organising committee, Pacific Australia Skills, the Ministry of Education and Training, Vanuatu Skills Partnership and Vanuatu Qualifications Authority for their support in bringing the event together. The competition will also feature other activities during the week, including a fashion show on Tuesday, a panel discussion on Wednesday covering artificial intelligence, green skills and skills in schools, and a cultural performance by VIT students on Thursday. Evans said the activities would demonstrate the connection between practical skills and culture, while giving visiting delegations opportunities to exchange experiences and build relationships. Representing the Minister of Education and Training, Simil Johnson, newly elected Ambae Member of Parliament (MP) Howard Aru welcomed the international competitors and recognised the efforts of Vanuatu’s national participants. MPAru said the competition provided an opportunity to celebrate the contribution skilled workers make to the country’s development. He said the Government’s proposed 60:40 plan aimed to strengthen skills development within the national curriculum, with trials already under way at three schools. Aru said Vanuatu needed skilled people who could build, install, maintain, produce and repair, as well as solve problems, manage businesses and introduce new ideas into their communities. “Practical skills help families earn an income. Businesses improve their services,” he said. He said technical and vocational education and training should be recognised as valuable pathways to further education, employment and business opportunities. Aru also stressed the importance of preparing young people for changing workplace demands, including digital technologies, renewable energy and sustainable practices. He said schools, training providers, employers and communities needed to work together to ensure young people received relevant training and opportunities to apply their skills. Drawing on his own experience as a parent, Aru said he strongly believed in skills education after encouraging his son to pursue a skills-based pathway rather than a conventional academic route. He said his son was now working with a company in Port Vila, and his friends had also become interested in skills training after seeing the pathway he had taken. Aru said climate change challenges and the needs of local businesses would continue to create opportunities for skilled workers in Vanuatu. He encouraged competitors to prepare carefully, work safely, manage their time and focus on the quality of their work, while respecting fellow competitors and learning from the experience. He also called on employers and industry partners to continue supporting skills development and strengthening the connection between training institutions and the workplace. The 2026 Vanuatu National Skills Competition and International Friendly Skills Competition was officially declared open by MP Aru. The event is expected to provide a platform for competitors, trainers and visiting delegations to exchange knowledge, strengthen regional partnerships and promote the value of technical and vocational education across the Pacific. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Women Demand Action on Gender Equality Ahead of 2029 Elections October 19, 2026
Women’s development stakeholders have called on the Vanuatu Government to take stronger action on gender equality, saying decades of policies and commitments have failed to deliver meaningful representation of women in leadership. The call followed a two-day review of the National Gender Equality Policy (NGEP), held in Port Vila from October 14 to 15. The review brought together government officials, the Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA), civil society organisations, women’s groups, church leaders, youth representatives and development partners. Participants agreed that the Government must move beyond policy commitments and demonstrate political will through concrete action, accountability and legislative reform. Jenny Ligo, reporting on behalf of the participants, said Vanuatu already had policies and frameworks to advance gender equality, but implementation remained the main challenge. “Vanuatu has no reason not to be achieving gender equality. We have the policies and frameworks — what we lack is action,” she said. The review found that women remained underrepresented in political leadership, with participants pointing to decades of limited progress since Vanuatu gained independence in 1980. Only six women have been elected to Parliament since independence, while women currently hold just one of the 52 parliamentary seats. At the provincial level, none of the 101 provincial council seats is held by a woman. Although the 2023 Electoral Act No. 18 provides for reserved seats at the municipal level, participants said further measures were needed to improve women’s representation across all levels of government. The review also raised concerns about political parties’ commitment to gender equality, with 12 of the country’s 24 political parties lacking gender policies. Participants said the voluntary 10 per cent quota adopted by the Leaders Party had failed to deliver the desired results. The VT150,000 candidacy fee was also identified as a financial barrier that could prevent women from contesting elections, particularly those without sufficient financial support. Participants warned that the same challenges had been discussed repeatedly over the years without adequate progress. “We have spoken for decades, we have reviewed for decades, it is time for government to demonstrate political will. Women of Vanuatu are ready to lead. What is missing is space and support,” Mrs. Ligo said. “This is not just about women — it is about the future of democracy and the nation.” The review also raised concerns about public confidence in government, citing figures indicating that trust had declined from 96.5 per cent in earlier years to 73.5 per cent. To address these challenges, participants called for measures to strengthen women’s participation in decision-making and remove barriers to entering politics. One key recommendation was to introduce reserved seats at both provincial and parliamentary levels to ensure more equitable representation of women in elected positions. Participants also recommended amending the Political Parties Registration Act to require political parties to field at least 30 per cent women candidates, with sanctions for those that fail to comply. To reduce financial barriers, the review proposed establishing a Candidate Support Fund to provide VT150,000 each to 30 women seeking election. If all 30 candidates received the full allocation, the fund would total VT4.5 million. Another recommendation was to introduce a Three Levels Pipeline Program, with proposed funding of VT42.5 million to strengthen women’s leadership capacity at municipal, provincial and parliamentary levels. Participants said the programme would help women progress into leadership positions and prepare them to take part in political decision-making. The recommendations have been formally submitted to the DWA for consideration ahead of the 2029 national elections. Participants said decision-makers must now consider the proposals and turn them into practical measures that deliver measurable results. They also pledged to continue advocating for gender equality and holding decision-makers accountable for progress. The review concluded with a call for Vanuatu to move from repeated discussions and policy commitments to meaningful action, giving women a fairer opportunity to participate in political and public leadership. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Male Insecurity Can Lead to Harmful Decisions, Therapist Warns October 19, 2026
Psychotherapist Sue Harris says unresolved feelings of insecurity, guilt and shame can influence men’s decisions and behaviour, making family support and positive male role models important in helping boys develop healthy self-worth. Her comments follow Dr Sale Vurobaravu’s warning about men practising silicone injections, which he said could have serious consequences for their lives. The issue has raised broader questions about the factors that may contribute to such behaviour among men in Vanuatu. Harris, a registered psychotherapist with a Master of Arts degree, said some men struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-blame, even when they worked hard and tried to meet expectations. She said these feelings could influence their decisions, particularly if they had grown up without emotional support, encouragement or a strong sense of belonging. In more than three years of practice, Harris said she had seen men open up about their struggles and become emotional while sharing experiences that had deeply affected them. She explained that guilt and shame could lead men to believe they were not good enough, potentially influencing decisions that could harm their lives. Harris identified family separation and divorce as factors that could affect a child’s development and influence decisions later in life. She said children who grew up without feeling loved, praised or supported could struggle with their self-worth as adults. Harris said positive male role models were particularly important for boys, especially when their fathers were absent. Joining a football team, participating in gardening or spending time with a trusted male figure could help boys build positive relationships and receive guidance as they grew up. “Boys need positive male figures in their lives,” she said, explaining that while women did their best to support children, positive male involvement also played an important role in boys’ development. Harris said some men continued to feel inadequate despite being hardworking because they believed they were failing to meet the standards expected of them. She said providing children with a safe home where they could express themselves freely and receive encouragement was fundamental to helping them make healthier decisions in the future. Harris said therapy could help men address unresolved emotional struggles, but the process should not focus solely on the individual experiencing trauma or stress. Families also needed to examine their relationships, behaviour and home environments to support lasting change, she said. She said addressing harmful behaviour required a broader change in family systems rather than expecting individuals to overcome the effects of their experiences alone. Harris provides clinical supervision to counsellors, support workers and community workers, as well as employee assistance counselling for non-government organisations, businesses and community organisations. Her comments point to the importance of addressing emotional struggles and family circumstances while encouraging men to seek support and families to provide healthier environments for children. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Rural women celebrated for strengthening communities, driving economies October 16, 2026
Rural women’s contributions to community wellbeing, economic development and local leadership were celebrated during a three-day International Rural Women’s Day event held at Eratap, Efate, under the theme, “Rural women rise up: Strong women, strong community.” The event was attended by Deputy Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu Emily Fisher, Assistant Secretary General (SG) of the SHEFA Provincial Government Council (SPGC) Liah Kaltoi, members of Silae Vanua Association and community members. Deputy High Commissioner Fisher applauded rural women’s contributions to keeping their communities healthy and strong. She reaffirmed the Australian Government’s continued support for projects across Vanuatu that empower women in rural communities. SPGC Assistant SG Kaltoi reaffirmed the provincial council’s commitment to working with the Government and its development partners to address challenges faced by rural women, particularly in accessing markets for their agricultural produce. She acknowledged that, despite women’s valuable contributions to the province and the country, no women are currently represented on the provincial council. Kaltoi expressed hope that women would unite to secure provincial-level representation and become a voice for other women. She encouraged women across the province to support one another, work collectively and take steps towards achieving representation on the provincial council. Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA) SHEFA Provincial Officer Lilgai Laliet acknowledged rural women’s contributions through producing and selling local food and other agricultural produce. She also recognised the support development partners provide to women-led organisations such as Silae Vanua, which works with rural women to strengthen their empowerment and economic participation. Laliet recognised the role men and boys play in supporting rural women, saying that empowering women requires a collective commitment from families, communities, government and development partners. She said rural women’s work deserved recognition and continued support, as their contributions extended beyond their households to strengthening communities and supporting national development. On behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services, Laliet officially opened the three-day celebration. The event also featured information booths where women could learn about available services, support and opportunities. Participating organisations, including banks and the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, provided information on financial services and other forms of support to help women strengthen their economic participation and wellbeing.

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Child sexual abuse: Vanuatu cannot afford to look away October 15, 2026
Child sexual abuse cases have revealed a disturbing pattern: children are being abused not by strangers, but by people they know and trust, including fathers, relatives, teachers and others in positions of responsibility. Vanuatu cannot undo the sexual abuse many children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. With the Child Protection Bill before Parliament this month, Members of Parliament (MPs) have an important opportunity to strengthen protections for children and ensure a stronger response to abuse. The Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services (MOJYCS) says recent cases demonstrate the need for a stronger national response, including protection and support for children beyond the criminal prosecution of offenders. A five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by her father, who was sentenced to five years and six months in prison in August this year. That same month, a grandfather was sentenced to more than four years in prison for sexually abusing his granddaughter. In September, a former teacher was sentenced for sexual offences against two 15-year-old students. In March, a man was sentenced for raping a 12-year-old girl. The abuse resulted in her pregnancy. These are among the child sexual abuse cases reported in Vanuatu’s newspapers in 2026. The Ministry says they represent only part of the problem. The Vanuatu Women’s Centre’s national survey, released in March 2026, found that nearly one in three women (30 per cent) had experienced sexual abuse before the age of 15. The MOJYCS says many children never disclose what has happened to them, particularly when the perpetrator is someone they love, fear or depend on. “We cannot continue to treat these cases as isolated tragedies. Child sexual abuse is a serious and widespread problem that demands a stronger national response,” the Ministry says. A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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