Vanuatu: embedding 7-1-7 into national outbreak response
When Burnet Institute began supporting adoption of the 7-1-7 approach in Vanuatu in 2025, the objective was not simply to introduce another outbreak response tool. The focus was to work alongside the Ministry of Health to identify where 7-1-7 could strengthen existing surveillance systems and improve how quickly outbreaks are detected and responded to.
Rather than creating new processes, Burnet worked closely with surveillance officers, disease control teams and One Health partners – organisations working across human, animal and environmental health – to explore the approach within Vanuatu's context.
In addition to use for common outbreak response, discussions explored how 7-1-7 could support surveillance for diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and neglected tropical diseases, while recognising the practical challenges faced by medical staff.
A mobile phone form used by health workers to alert authorities to notifiable diseases.
A key milestone was a series of workshops that brought together representatives from public health surveillance, environmental health, veterinary services, fisheries and laboratory services. Participants identified common barriers to responding to outbreaks across sectors, including workforce shortages and challenges engaging with communities. They also explored how shared outbreak timeliness metrics could strengthen collaboration.
Applying 7-1-7 to a real outbreak
The move from training to practice came during a pertussis outbreak on Tanna Island.
Vanuatu surveillance officers used the 7-1-7 assessment tools to review the outbreak response, with Burnet providing technical mentoring to refine the analysis and identify practical improvements.
The review showed where delays occurred and highlighted ways to improve future responses. The Vanuatu team prepared and submitted lessons from the outbreak to the Global Health Security 2026 Conference in Malaysia.
As surveillance officers become more familiar with the 7-1-7 approach, responsibility should increasingly shift to national teams. Provincial officers should independently apply the tools in multiple provinces. Burnet's role will shift from leading implementation to providing technical support and quality assurance.
Lasting systems change
An indicator of success came when the Vanuatu Ministry of Health included 7-1-7 as a standalone activity in the 2026 National Surveillance Workplan for all provinces.
The returning National Surveillance Manager also integrated 7-1-7 into provincial surveillance training plans. This showed the approach had moved beyond an externally instigated project and become part of routine health system strengthening.
Burnet continues to support provincial training, strengthen partnerships with One Health organisations and explore new uses for 7-1-7. These include antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention and control, and the roles of community-based surveillance in outbreak control. Community-based surveillance in Vanuatu is coordinated by the Vanuatu Red Cross.
Presentations at the Global Health Security Conference and the Australasian Epidemiological Association show how Vanuatu's experience is informing global approaches to improving outbreak response in small island settings.
Key outcomes
- Multi-sectoral One Health partnerships established.
- 7-1-7 successfully applied during a pertussis outbreak.
- Provincial surveillance officers applying the methodology.
- 7-1-7 included into the Ministry of Health's 2026 National Surveillance Workplan.
- National ownership demonstrated through integration into routine provincial training.
- Vanuatu experience presented at international conferences.
