Dr Claydon, who has been actively involved in volunteer and training initiatives in Vanuatu, explains how this work began.  

“For me it all started in 2018. My wife who had been working in a rural 'Family care centre' in Teouma Valley, invited me over to the opening of their new facility. Since then I have been over seven or eight times, and have also provided online support particularly through the COVID lockdown period.”  

His work in Vanuatu has had a focus on the high prevalence of Hepatitis B, after discovering that approximately 14% of the population in Vanuatu is affected by this disease which has a direct link with patients’ presentation of chronic liver disease. In the past few years he has spearheaded fundraising campaigns for training, screening programmes, and the procurement of essential equipment. This is in addition to clinical and training efforts provided by Dr Claydon, which the NZMTS is proud to support through funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  

Dr Claydon shares the motivating factors that drive him in continuing to support the capacity in Vanuatu’s health sector.  

"For me, relationships are important. Getting to know the team at Vila Central Hospital, building the trust of the staff and aiming for incremental changes over a period of time makes the process of achievable and enjoyable. Each visit there are new challenges, but as a team we have been able to resolve most of the issues.”  

Dr Sale Vurobaravu, a Ni-Vanuatu internal medicine specialist, has worked closely with Dr Claydon over the past few years, providing feedback on Dr Claydon’s most recent deployment to Vanuatu which took place in early September.  

"The most valuable aspect of this visit was the training provided by Dr Adrian Claydon and Registered Nurse Wanda. This procedural and theoretical training of doctors and endoscopy nurses leads to capacity building and sustainability of this service.   

"For example, as a result of the training, Dr Claydon has trained two endoscopists, and two endoscopy nurses. This has resulted in the continuity of endoscopy after the departure of the visiting team.”  

Maximising opportunities for capability building and strengthening local health services are key priorities of the NZMTS. Dr Claydon’s work exemplifies these objectives, reflecting on his own learnings from his time in Vanuatu.  

"I enjoy teaching and it is a pleasure to be able to help them and to watch them grow as doctors and endoscopists. I have been challenged to think about how and why we do things here, and to try and translate that into something that works in Vanuatu. It is not about getting them to do it our way, but rather helping them to map out their own path to success.   

"I have also fallen in love with the country and the people. They are very resourceful, clever and motivated yet lack the resources that we take for granted. It is partly about doing my bit to help, but it is in no way onerous.”