Lenakel Hospital expands Maternity Ward after 58 years

Jul 14, 2025 | News | 0

After 58 years of overcrowded rooms and outdated facilities, Lenakel Hospital on Tanna is set to open its newly expanded Jehovah Jireh Maternity Ward on October 2, 2025.

The 30-metre by 12-metre facility, costing VT298.75 million, marks a major step forward for maternal and infant healthcare in TAFEA Province. The project was led by the Australian-based TAFEA Health Care Association and its Director, Jeannie Barton.

Lenakel Hospital was originally opened in 1967. It was built by the Fletcher Company and managed by the Presbyterian Church until independence, when ownership was transferred to the Government. The old maternity ward had long been over capacity. With only 10 beds, one delivery room, and a leaking roof, midwives often had to care for multiple patients in cramped conditions. In some cases, babies were delivered on the floor, increasing the risk of complications such as neonatal sepsis.

Efforts to expand the facility had repeatedly failed. Midwives’ requests went unanswered, fundraising efforts were blocked by hospital authorities, and formal recognition for the project was delayed.

A breakthrough came in 2020 when Director Barton met with Provincial Public Health Manager Lolyne Jeremiah. Together, they secured approval from the Association’s Australian executive board to move the project forward.

“We had saved for 12 years,” said Ms Barton. “After talking with Ms Jeremiah and agreeing on the shared need, our board moved forward. We coordinated the build, funding, and construction with the support of God and dedicated volunteers.”

The project was planned, funded, and managed primarily by the Australian TAFEA Health Association Inc.

Local and international volunteers and donors supported the effort by raising funds, sourcing materials, and pushing for change. Construction was carried out by Carpentry Construction Maintenance Ltd in Port Vila. A small government contribution was later made for minor building changes, but the work was driven by charitable support—not government funding or aid.

Midwife Natalie Manu, who has worked at Lenakel Hospital since 2008, reflected on the daily challenges. “There were times we had to run out of the delivery room mid-birth just to fetch equipment,” she said. “It’s a huge relief to see this finally happening.”

The new maternity ward includes 16 beds, fully equipped delivery rooms, and separate antenatal and postnatal areas. It also provides better facilities for hospital staff, including a designated break area, kitchen, and a nurses’ station.

Robert Moise, the hospital’s General Services Manager, described the development as a blessing. “When Ms Jeremiah told me help was on the way, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted,” he said.

As the new facility nears completion, the Lenakel community is preparing for its official opening on October 2, 2025—a moment many believe will improve the health and safety of mothers and babies for generations.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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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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