MEDICINE IN VANUATU - REPORT OF A 1-YEAR STAY ON THE ESPIRITU-SANTO ISLAND

Introduction. - The republic of Vanuatu, which was previously termed t he Hebrides, has been independant since 1981. Colonization by both Fra nce and England has left its numerous marks on this country over the y ears. The authors spent the year 1997 on the Espiritu Santo Island and report their experience as practitioners at the northern district hos pital. Current knowledge and key points. - As Vanuatu is a developing country, medical practice is subject to changes in government, develop ment aid pl provided by foreign countries and socio-economical conditi ons. Numerous chronic diseases with historical complications and malpr actice are encountered. As well, numerous infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria are still endemic. Means of fighting and prev enting infections are great problems, with, for example, deficiencies in immunization programs. Though medical structures are well organized , due to its immature governments and assistance rather than cooperati on policies of various helping countries, latitudinarianism is importa nt and medical practice is riot continuously organized. Future prospec ts and projects. - Several objectives should be considered: epidemiolo gical studies ill order to reconstitute diseases profiles in this arch ipelago and most of all, cooperation that would aim at training and ed ucation. (C) 1998 Elsevier, Paris