The worn out floor of Vila Central Hospital squeaked under Valerie's hurried footsteps. She was breathless, having just finished collecting pap smear samples from two women on another floor. As she settled into her chair at the antenatal unit, her colleague informed her that two patients were waiting. One was Anna, a young mother Valerie knew well.

Anna (name changed), 25, had a difficult pregnancy. The birth had been traumatic, and she is determined to space her next pregnancy. "There's so much misinformation out there around family planning and contraceptives," Anna confided. "Sister Valerie patiently listened to my concerns and provided me with all the needed information and available choice of contraceptives. She helped me to make an informed decision about my body and my future."

Valerie, a nurse who has worked at Vila Central Hospital for 13 years, has witnessed firsthand the toll that misinformation and taboo take on women's health. In a traditional society, conversations about sexual and reproductive health are often hushed, if they happen at all.

"I have seen young girls struggling with teenage pregnancies, and women suffering from preventable health complications," Valerie explained. "Sometimes, all it takes is the right information to change a life."

Valerie goes above and beyond her hospital duties. On Saturdays, she runs a small clinic in her community, offering sexual and reproductive health services and education to young people. She has seen the devastating consequences of teenage pregnancies in her community, reinforcing her belief in the power of knowledge. But breaking down centuries-old taboos is not easy. Valerie works closely with church and community leaders, gently convincing them towards an open dialogue. She understands the cultural sensitivities, and her approach is one of respect and collaboration.

Earlier that day, 13-year-old Jenny (name changed) had come to the hospital with her mother. Valerie seized the opportunity to talk to the teenager, who, despite some school lessons in sexual and reproductive health, had largely limited knowledge about her own body.

"It's not just about preventing unplanned  pregnancies," Valerie says. "It's about empowering these young girls to make informed choices about their health and their future."

With support from the Australian Government, UNFPA Pacific has trained health workers like Valerie in Vanuatu to deliver high-quality family planning counseling and services for women, adolescents, and people with disabilities.To date, 55 healthcare workers from 47 public health facilities across the country have received the UNFPA training.

Valerie's unwavering dedication makes her a true champion for the women and girls she serves. In a place where information about sexual and reproductive health is a sensitive topic, she guides young girls and women towards informed choices. Through her patient conversations and compassionate understanding, she's making a real difference in their lives, one girl at a time.