



Pacific Infectious Diseases (Operational Research, Surveillance and Resilience)
Our goal is to become a key partner in the Pacific region, providing technical expertise in infectious diseases operational research, surveillance and response.
Group Heads
About
We aim to provide technical expertise and support for infectious diseases operational research, surveillance and response across 3 focus areas:
- pandemic preparedness and response
- triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B
- operational research.
Many Pacific Island countries and territories experience a high, unaddressed burden of infectious diseases. The Pacific region faces unique challenges associated with geographically dispersed islands and small populations.
Our dynamic team of emerging Pasifika researchers and public health professionals has more than 20 years of technical expertise in the Pacific. We help Pacific governments and other partners respond to infectious diseases through:
- operational research
- surveillance
- building resilience to infectious disease threats.
Our focus areas
Pandemic preparedness and response
Our work in this area supports health system strengthening for timely and efficient outbreak detection and response.
Triple elimination
Here, our work supports governments to deliver and evaluate the impact of essential interventions. The aim is the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B.
Operational research
We support healthcare workers to lead operational research and develop prioritised national research agendas.
Current projects

Improving disease outbreak response time in the Pacific: 7-1-7 tool testing
We're working with partners to see how the 7-1-7 approach can help track and respond to disease outbreaks in the Pacific.
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B in Vanuatu
We offer a range of studies focusing on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B.
Featured publications
Protektem pikinini blong yu trial: protocol for a single arm field trial to assess the effectiveness of treating-all pregnant women with hepatitis B infection with tenofovir prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission in Vanuatu, 2024–2025
BMC Public Health
Leila Bell et al
Progress towards triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis in Pacific Island Countries and Territories: a systematic review
The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific
Leila Bell et al
The impact of COVID-19 on public health systems in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories
The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific
Leila Bell et al
High SARS-CoV-2 attack rates in areas with low detection after community transmission established in Port Vila, Vanuatu, April 2022
Western Pacific surveillance response journal
Florita Toa et al
Operational research highlights ongoing challenges for comprehensive TB services in Papua New Guinea
Public Health Action
A. Maha et al
Challenges to implementation and strengthening of initial COVID-19 surveillance in Vanuatu: January–April 2020
Western Pacific surveillance response journal
Wendy R. Williams et al
Group contacts
Main contacts

Dr Caroline van Gemert
Co-Head, Pacific Infectious Diseases (Operational Research, Surveillance and Resilience) Working Group

Dr Jane Greig
Co-Head, Pacific Infectious Diseases (Operational Research, Surveillance and Resilience) Working Group; Senior Operational Epidemiologist

Stephanie Levy
Global Health Emergencies Specialist & Pacific Projects Manager
Student supervisor contacts

Dr Caroline van Gemert
Co-Head, Pacific Infectious Diseases (Operational Research, Surveillance and Resilience) Working Group

Dr Jane Greig
Co-Head, Pacific Infectious Diseases (Operational Research, Surveillance and Resilience) Working Group; Senior Operational Epidemiologist
Group members

Dr Caroline van Gemert
Co-Head, Pacific Infectious Diseases (Operational Research, Surveillance and Resilience) Working Group

Dr Jane Greig
Co-Head, Pacific Infectious Diseases (Operational Research, Surveillance and Resilience) Working Group; Senior Operational Epidemiologist

Aleesha Kalulu
Research Officer

Kali Ameara
Country Representative, Vanuatu; Vanuatu Research Coordinator

Leila Bell
PhD student

Stephanie Levy
Global Health Emergencies Specialist & Pacific Projects Manager
