Vanuatu has taken a major step forward in tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) with the launch of its HeartCare mobile app, a digital tool designed to make screening for cardiovascular disease risk more accessible in communities across the country.
Launched by the Vanuatu Ministry of Health with support from the Australian Government and WHO, HeartCare is the first-of-its-kind to be introduced in the Pacific.
The app aims to strengthen early detection and management of conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease by allowing trained users to conduct screenings and identify people at risk before serious complications occur.
MAJOR CHALLENGE
The WHO described NCDs as a “major public health challenge” in Vanuatu and across the Pacific, with many people unaware that they are at risk until serious complications occur. Nearly 1 in 3 adults in Vanuatu are estimated to be living with raised blood pressure – although only 15 per cent of people are aware of their condition.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of premature death in Vanuatu, despite many of the risk factors that contribute to heart attacks, strokes and other complications being able to be detected early.
Speaking at the launch event in Port Vila, Director of Public Health Dr Jenny Stephens said, “NCDs have been affecting our communities and can lead to a wide range of health complications for individuals. We need more innovative approaches that help us identify people at risk earlier and connect them with the care they need. HeartCare is an important step in that direction.”
DATA INTO ACTION
Once trained, community-based providers can use HeartCare to conduct screenings closer to where people live and work. The first groups to be trained include community health workers, church leaders and non-governmental organisations, with further training to be rolled out.
The app dashboard provides a breakdown of critical health markers for screening, including body mass index, blood pressure, smoking status, blood sugar, cholesterol and cardiovascular disease risk profile.
Developed with WHO’s package of essential noncommunicable disease interventions for primary health care in mind, the user-friendly app seeks to enable both frontline workers and clinicians to make informed decisions on treatment and patient management.
The app can automatically identify patients who are at high or medium risk of heart disease, notifying health care workers and patients when urgent medical care may be needed.
The Ministry of Health indicated it was keen to begin training community health workers on how to use the app, with Acting Director General at the Vanuatu Ministry of Health Dr Santus Wari describing HeartCare as an example of how public policy and practical innovation can come together to improve health outcomes.
“Technology has the potential to transform the way we deliver health services,” Dr Wari said.
“Rollout of the new HeartCare app is an example of how public health policy can help reach more people and support healthier futures for the people of Vanuatu.”
CARE THROUGH DIGITISATION
By digitising patient records and linking them to national IDs, the app also packages patient information into a centralised digital platform.
Previously, patient information collected during screenings was often recorded on paper, making it difficult to track individuals’ health records over time or ensure continuity of care across health facilities.
Gibson Ala, NCD Coordinator at the Ministry of Health, noted the burden of NCDs in Vanuatu and described how HeartCare could support more efficient and standardised data collection and documentation.
“We have seen a significant gap, with many people in the community unaware that they may be at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Now, a member of your church or a community health worker who is trained to use HeartCare can come to you and conduct a screening on the spot, which starts the process a person needs to get the right management plan.”
PARTNERING FOR HEALTH
The WHO said the launch of HeartCare reflected the importance of strong partnerships, “not only in addressing NCDs, but also in strengthening health systems more broadly.”
Speaking at the official launch in Port Vila, WHO Country Liaison Officer for Vanuatu Dr Revite Kirition welcomed the launch of the HeartCare app and emphasised how digital tools could help make early detection and management of NCDs more accessible.
“By identifying people at risk earlier, we can help prevent serious complications and ensure that limited clinical resources are directed to those who need them most,” said Dr Kirition.
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to strengthening prevention, early detection, and management of noncommunicable diseases in Vanuatu.”
He said that by expanding access to screening and strengthening referral pathways, HeartCare had the potential to improve health outcomes for thousands of people across Vanuatu.
“As Vanuatu continues to advance its response to NCDs, HeartCare offers a promising example of how digital innovation, community engagement and strong partnerships can work together to support healthier futures in the Pacific.”
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