Respond Global

22/06/2026

We're on the search for an experienced Registered Nurse to work and live onboard HELPR-1.

21/05/2026

Respond Global MD Dr Ian Norton spoke with 10 News+ a short time ago about the developing Ebola crisis in the DRC.

21/05/2026

Over the past 12 months, HELPR 1 has continued to support communities across all six provinces of Vanuatu through the delivery of health services, disaster preparedness, electrification of health facilities and schools, and restoration of water in communities.

From reaching 104,800+ people across 190 villages and facilitating 33,400+ health consultations, this work reflects the power of practical service, strong partnerships, and community-led resilience.

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this impact possible.

Australian High Commission, Vanuatu REnew Pacific Health Promotions Vanuatu National Green Energy Fund - NGEF Vanuatu Department of Energy, Vanuatu Department of Water Resources-Vanuatu

19/05/2026

The Hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius has docked in the Netherlands and health authorities will now start decontaminating the vessel. So far no new cases have been recorded.

Dr Ian Norton spoke with RTÉ Radio 1 during a recent trip to Europe about the difficulties of containing a virus on a cruise ship, drawing on his experience of managing the crew quarantine aboard the COVID-stricken Ruby Princess in 2020.

Dr Ian Norton, Managing Director of Respond Global & former head of the World Health Organization’s Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Initiative.

18/05/2026

As health authorities in two African countries race to contain an outbreak of Ebola, Respond Global's Dr Ian Norton, who led the WHO response to previous outbreaks, spoke with ABC News about the challenges of trying to contain the deadly virus.

Health authorities in two African countries are racing to contain an outbreak of Ebola.

09/04/2026

Ambae Island Volcanic Ashfall Response

Six days.
16 communities reached.
Over 3,400 people supported.

Since January 2026, continuous ashfall from its volcano has contaminated water sources across Ambae Island in Vanuatu, leaving communities without safe drinking water. HELPR 1 responded by producing and delivering over 52,400 litres of clean water direct to households, clinics and schools, refilling tanks, jerry cans, and containers so families could continue daily life.

“Water is very essential to our community… you have saved our lives,” said James Toa, village leader.

HELPR-1 also served as a mobile coordination hub, hosting the Provincial Health Emergency Operations Centre onboard to plan and deliver a broader, integrated response.

Alongside water delivery, teams:

✅ Assessed water sources with the provincial water department.
✅ Delivered 3,705 kg of food supplies.
✅ Distributed 921 kg of non-food items, including hygiene kits, jerry cans, and small solar components.
✅ Installed 2 x 3,000 litre water tanks.
✅ Deployed 2 medical appliance kits including patient monitors and autoclaves to major health facilities that we had recently installed off grid solar systems at.

With the capacity to produce up to 15,000 litres of water per day, HELPR-1 combines service delivery with coordination, reaching communities that are otherwise difficult to access and sustaining essential services during prolonged emergencies.

02/04/2026

The ABC News captured this short interview with Chasing Chaos director Andrew Hyde of Exposure Productions and Respond Global's MD Dr. Ian Norton at last week's Darwin preview screening.

With more and more disaster's happening world wide, and the demand on international aid more frequent, there's a renewed focus on how to best help those at t...

30/03/2026

It's been over 5 years in the making but Chasing Chaos, directed by award-winning cinematographer Andrew Hyde, is worth the wait.

Featuring Respond Global's very own Dr. Ian Norton, Dr. Basil Leodoro and Barbara Daufanamae, and supported by some of the world's most respected humanitarians, the film delves into why the humanitarian community needs to respond differently to crisis.

Coming soon........

02/03/2026

Thank you to the Vanuatu Daily Post for this great article about our founder Dr. Ian Norton and HELPR 1's Operations Director Dr. Basil Leodoro!

The story of the HELPR-1 ship is a story of two doctors, whose friendship grew across borders. For many years, Dr Ian Norton from Australia and Dr Basil Leodoro from Vanuatu have demonstrated how determination and a shared passion for public health can ensure that even the most remote communities of Vanuatu can be reached. This is their story.

Read more: https://www.dailypost.vu/news/two-doctors-one-ship-and-a-mission-to-reach-every-island-the-story-behind-vanuatu/article_2613ad29-a17a-5467-bf87-300667fe575b.html

23/12/2025

Such an amazing achievement and a wonderful way to end the year! 👏👏