Port Vila, Vanuatu – Friday 31 July 2026: Today, the National University of Vanuatu (NUV) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking a significant milestone in their shared commitment to strengthening Vanuatu’s health sector through education, research, professional development and institutional collaboration.
The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua, NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, and Hon. Robert Bohn Murray Sikol, Minister of Health, establishes a framework for long-term cooperation to build a skilled, competent and resilient health workforce capable of responding to Vanuatu’s current and future healthcare needs.
The partnership will focus on key areas of collaboration, including health workforce education and training, professional development and capacity building for health professionals, research and knowledge sharing, curriculum development, academic collaboration, and joint initiatives that improve the quality, accessibility and sustainability of health services across Vanuatu. The agreement also promotes student placements, collaborative research, policy engagement and the sharing of expertise between the two institutions.
Hon. Robert Bohn Murray Sikol, Minister of Health, highlighted the importance of this agreement. He said, “By combining the Ministry of Health’s leadership in the health sector with the National University of Vanuatu’s academic expertise, this partnership will help build a skilled, competent, and resilient health workforce capable of meeting the current and future health needs of our nation.”
Vice-Chancellor Nirua welcomed the partnership as an important step towards advancing the University’s mission of delivering quality higher education that responds to national priorities.
“This Memorandum of Understanding reflects the National University of Vanuatu’s commitment to producing graduates who will make a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of our nation. By working closely with the Ministry of Health, we are strengthening pathways for education, research, innovation and professional training that will equip Ni-Vanuatu health professionals with the knowledge, skills and leadership needed to serve our communities. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to be a catalyst for national development through excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.”
The collaboration reflects the shared vision of both institutions to foster innovation, strengthen institutional cooperation and invest in the people, the heart of Vanuatu’s healthcare system. Through joint academic programmes, research initiatives and workforce development opportunities, the partnership will contribute to improving health outcomes while supporting national development priorities.
As Vanuatu continues to strengthen its healthcare system, the agreement represents a strategic investment in the country’s future by ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped with the skills, knowledge and practical experience required to meet evolving health challenges.
