Provision of technical support to strengthen nursing education in Vanuatu – Phase 3

Vanuatu has developed a comprehensive Nursing Strategy (2024-2030), part of which includes improving nursing and midwifery education and competences to “match and surpass” health system demands. This requires increasing nursing graduates from the Vanuatu College of Nursing Education (VCNE), an issue faced by the health workforce. Additionally, there is a strategic need for strengthening professional development and building research capacity amongst nurses and midwives to stay informed with standard practice and health policies.

The World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at University of Technology Sydney (WHO CCNM UTS) has previously undertaken two phases of provision of technical support to strengthen nursing education in Vanuatu. WHO CCNM UTS worked with the Vanuatu College of Nursing Education (VCNE) and the Vanuatu Ministry of Health to develop and implement a Bachelor of Nursing (Conversion) and Bachelor of Nursing curriculum framework to improve the quality and quantity of nursing and midwifery professionals. 

Stage 3 will build on the work and partnerships established during the previous stages, with participation and consultations from the South Pacific Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officers Alliance (SPCNMOA), representatives from national education and policy leaders and the Ministry of Health, SPC, WHO Vanuatu, and nursing and midwifery professionals and clinicians, as deemed relevant and appropriate.