Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) still occur in Vanuatu, especially in rural and remote areas. Working with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) HELPR-1 clinical teams (local and international nurses from Respond Global) deliver NTD screening and treatment for conditions like Scabies, Intestinal worms, and Yaws.

These three illnesses primarily affect children, cause stunted growth and failure to thrive, and can result in debilitating secondary skin infections including kidney failure from glomerulonephritis secondary to toxins released by streptococcal bacteria.

HELPR-1 teams also support surveillance for malnutrition through screening mid-upper arm circumferences of children, starting treatment when required and referring to the local remote nurse for follow-up. Remote nurses always join the ship team on each visit, ensuring they retain knowledge of all treatments conducted, and receive the latest updates on treatment protocols from MoH staff onboard.

During this reporting period, the RG clinical team completed 15,304 NTD assessments in 193 communities (repeat visits accounted for) in all provinces. Of this, 1,621 cases of scabies were identified and treated, 17 yaws cases identified and treated, and 12,891 deworming treatments were completed.