Signing of MoU with Vanuatu Ministry of Health to Build a "Medical Aerial Lifeline" in Vanuatu

GX Foundation (GX) and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Vanuatu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) online for the "Dual-Use Drone Project for Routine Health Operations and Disaster Response in Vanuatu 2026–2027," integrating advanced low-altitude technology into the local public health logistics and emergency rescue systems. LEUNG Chun-ying, Vice-Chairperson of The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chairman of GX, and LI Minggang, Chinese Ambassador to Vanuatu, witnessed the event. Prof. CHAN Ying-yang, CEO of GX, and The Hon. Robert BOHN, Minister of Health of Vanuatu, jointly signed the MoU.

Vanuatu's fragmented islands and mountainous terrain severely limit transport connectivity, which has long created persistent logistical barriers for both routine healthcare and emergency relief. Last year, GX launched its "Disaster Preparedness Kit Project" locally, benefiting over 30,000 residents. Building on this success, GX now utilizes innovative technology to establish an "aerial lifeline," strengthening the shift from post-disaster reliance to long-term community resilience. This one-year pilot project aims to comprehensively enhance local post-disaster response, acute emergency medical support, medical access for remote communities, and infrastructure and environmental monitoring efficiency.

LEUNG stated, "During this pilot phase, we will provide a fleet of advanced drone equipment. These drones will serve as an aerial lifeline, delivering life-saving blood products and vaccines, transporting medical samples from remote clinics, and conducting rapid post-disaster reconnaissance."

The project also focuses on achieving technological autonomy and sustainable development. Certified drone instructors from the Foundation will provide professional training to build local operational capacity in drone operation, maintenance, flight scheduling, and data interpretation. This initiative ensures that the local team can independently operate and maintain the entire drone fleet in the future, achieving long-term technological self-sufficiency. Furthermore, upon completing the pilot stage, a data-driven evaluation will assess outcomes to scientifically map out a blueprint for future scale-up.