The territory voted in 2019 to leave Papua New Guinea, but the country’s parliament is still to ratify the separation.

The event has cost an estimated $250m, but the government believes it is money well spent given the potential benefits.

Twin cyclones hit Pacific island nation already struggling to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hospitals were already dealing with a rise in acute gastroenteritis when Judy and Kevin hit and cut water supplies.

Two Category 4 cyclones hit Vanuatu within 72 hours in early March.

Disease surveillance by the WHO shows mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are rising sharply.

While work schemes offer Pacific Islanders economic opportunities, critics say they exacerbate labour shortages at home.

Distrust of COVID-19 vaccine in Papua New Guinea linked to reduction in children receiving more general vaccinations.

Officials say the facility will provide crucial income despite causing war and pollution the last time it was open.