The Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT), coordinated by the National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre (NCCTRC) in Darwin, was swiftly deployed to support the health system following a request from the Vanuatu Government.

The NCCTRC, funded by the Australian Government, specialises in preparing and deploying
clinical and logistics personnel to respond to national and international health emergencies.

The first AUSMAT deployment, comprising six team members, including medical professionals and a logistician, arrived in Vanuatu on December 18.

Transported by CareFlight’s jet, the team worked in close collaboration with Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health to assess immediate medical response requirements.

The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service played a pivotal role by providing critical logistics personnel to support the mission.

Recognising the scale of the devastation, the Australian Government expanded its efforts by deploying a 17-member AUSMAT surgical specialist team on December 23.

This unit delivered surgical, general medical, rehabilitation, and biomedical engineering support to Port Vila Central Hospital, one of the hardest-hit health facilities.

A third AUSMAT deployment, consisting of four additional personnel, was later sent to perform vascular surgeries, support dialysis patients, and assess water quality for the dialysis unit.

Australia’s comprehensive response, totalling $7 million in humanitarian aid, focuses
on medical care, water quality, sanitation, and hygiene services.

This coordinated effort not only addressed the immediate surge in medical needs but also supported the long-term recovery and rehabilitation of Vanuatu’s essential healthcare infrastructure.

The deployment underscores Australia’s commitment to standing by its Pacific neighbours in times of crisis, strengthening regional ties through swift and effective humanitarian action. TQ

TEAM BRAVO AT WORK IN VANUATU AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE. PHOTOS: AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION, VANUATU