Locally led, regionally focused: Burnet opens Vanuatu office

As part of our commitment to improving health outcomes across the Pacific, Burnet Institute has officially opened a office in Vanuatu.

Over recent years, Burnet has worked closely with regional partners to address critical health priorities through strong local collaboration. This commitment has now led to the establishment of a dedicated team in Port Vila, working alongside the Vanuatu Government and regional partners to deliver technical expertise, data collection and research support.

The office is led by Kali Ameara, Burnet’s Vanuatu Country Representative, who brings more than 20 years of experience in medical and public health sectors both internationally and in Vanuatu.

“Burnet’s Vanuatu country office is locally led – not just in name, but in practice,” Mr Ameara said. “Our work will be driven by health needs and local priorities, building research capacity that lasts beyond any single project.”

The team will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health to help shape the nation’s health research agenda.

Burnet-supported projects focus on pandemic preparedness and disease surveillance, triple elimination of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis, immunisation, and antimicrobial resistance under the One Health framework.

“When communities drive their own health solutions, the impact is transformational,” Mr Ameara said.

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