Hadassah Medical Delegation Completes Historic Mission to Vanuatu
A Hadassah Medical Center delegation visited Vanuatu for the first time, providing pediatric emergency training and advanced Israeli medical technologies to the remote island nation.
A medical delegation from the Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem has traveled to Vanuatu for the first time in history under the "Tevel" program, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Led by Prof. Saar Hashavya, head of the pediatric division and deputy director of Hadassah Ein Kerem, the team of pediatric emergency and intensive care experts crossed thousands of kilometers to share expertise with local colleagues.
Medical Training and Advanced Technologies
Vanuatu, a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean, faces unique challenges in providing advanced healthcare across isolated regions with limited resources. The Hadassah team conducted training sessions at Vanuatu's central hospital, focusing on emergency ultrasound (POCUS), pediatric emergency medicine, and safe medical transport for children, which is vital in an island nation where transferring a critically ill child can be life-saving.
The program included theoretical studies, field practice, simulations, and virtual reality glasses—a technology the local medical staff encountered for the first time. Following an opening address by Vanuatu's Minister of Health, local participation doubled as medical staff sought to learn advanced treatment techniques, some based on Israeli startup innovations.
Strengthening International Ties through Medicine
"The delegation brought to the other side of the world the beautiful face of Israeli medicine and society: excellence, innovation, advanced care, and above all, friendship and readiness to assist every human being regardless of religion, race, gender, or origin."
Operating under the "Tevel - Children" program, which has previously worked primarily in Africa, the initiative aims to build long-term partnerships and sustainable professional connections. Despite international challenges to Israel's global image, the Hadassah initiative highlights humanitarian collaboration, leaving a lasting bridge of knowledge and medical partnership long after the team returns to Israel.
