A Primary Care Role in Building Local Capacity Following Volcanic Activity in Vanuatu

Abstract

Introduction:

Vanuatu is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire. In July 2018, there was increased volcanic activity on Ambae, an island with a population of 11,000 people. Due to the destruction of food sources, contamination of water supply, and respiratory issues caused by ash fall, an immediate compulsory evacuation was ordered by the government.

Aim:

To describe the role of the primary care team response to urgent and ongoing healthcare needs of evacuees following volcanic activity.

Methods:

A non-governmental organization (NGO) primary care team of a general practitioner, nurse practitioner, and two healthcare assistants undertook the initial assessment of a group of newly arrived evacuees. This allowed the identification and management of urgent care needs. Over the subsequent weeks, the primary care clinic provided care to the evacuees. A prospective database of anonymized case files was undertaken to monitor evolving primary healthcare needs of the evacuees.

Results:

Twenty-five patients were assessed initially. Two patients required urgent transfer to a hospital for acute management. Six diabetic patients required medication supplies. There were eight hypertensive patients. Two patients required urgent BP reduction and four required medication supplies. Over the following two weeks, 104 patients were reviewed at the clinic. During this time, 45 patients were treated for respiratory tract infections. Medication supplies were replenished for antihypertensives and diabetic medications for seven patients. Opportunistic cardiovascular and diabetes risk reviews were performed and follow up arranged for nine patients.

Discussion:

The primary care team role was part of a local services collaborative approach initiated by the government. Involving local primary care clinicians in disaster management builds local capacity. Patients are able to receive continuity of care for acute and ongoing medical problems. Clinicians are able to evaluate evolving care needs and gain an improved understanding of the impact of displacement on the community.