In a recent interview with ABC Australia's Pacific Beat programme, PMA CEO, Debbie Sorensen, emphasised the magnitude of the event. 

“The earthquake in Vanuatu was quite severe because it was largely based around the capital of Port Vila and Efate. It has affected the whole of the business district and many schools, infrastructure, water, power, hospitals, those sorts of things. So, it was quite traumatic and quite frightening for people. 

“I felt very concerned for our colleagues and friends working in the health system there, and the many people that we know. Many of them lost their houses, and were living in tents. They had no plates, no food, no water, they were just using bottled water for example.” 

The PACMAT team, composed of clinical and mental health experts, has been stationed in Port Vila for two weeks, working closely with Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health. PACMAT has provided medical and mental health support to over 400 individuals so far since being deployed. 

“What’s been recognised after any large humanitarian event, whether that’s a weather event or something like a pandemic, it is really necessary to have mental health support for your general population,” Sorensen said. 

As a Pacific-based organisation, PACMAT teams integrate seamlessly into humanitarian efforts, thanks to their familiarity with the region’s cultural nuances. 

“We're very complimentary with the other teams that are going and we are very familiar with our local colleagues. We have worked in the countries that we deploy to previously and so we often have language speakers in our teams.” 

PACMAT’s strength lies in its network of over 7,000 Pacific health professionals across the Pacific region, New Zealand, Australia, the US, and the UK. 

“People sign up to the PACMAT team and then undergo training. They are vascular surgeons, pediatric surgeons, anesthetists…all able to speak a Pacific language and have experience working in more than one Pacific country. They're well grounded in Pacific communities, and many of us have deep and strong kinship relationships with our home countries in the region.” 

Listen to the full interview here.