Siblings Anis and Melanie from Vanuatu, both born with the same rare birth defect, are now able to walk after receiving donated medical treatment in Canberra, Australia. The Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) facilitated their arrival and treatment in April 2026. Anis turned 13 during his treatment.

This medical intervention offers a profound impact for the children and their family, who had never left their village on a small volcanic island before this opportunity. Vanuatu, an archipelago nation, faces significant healthcare challenges, including limited access to specialists and doctors, which makes such complex treatments unavailable domestically. Remote communities in Vanuatu often have poor physical access to healthcare and limited infrastructure, necessitating long and costly journeys for basic medical needs.

What the records show

Rotary Oceania Medical Aid for Children (ROMAC) brought Anis and Melanie to Canberra for their clubfoot surgery. The organization covers all related expenses, including flights, accommodation, visas, passports, hospital costs, clothing, and living expenses for the family. Volunteers often provide hosting and daily support. ROMAC, a program of the Rotary Districts of Australia and New Zealand, provides medical treatment for children from developing countries in Oceania who cannot be treated in their home nations. Since its inception in March 1988, ROMAC has assisted over 570 children with life-changing or dignity-restoring surgeries. Medical facilities in Vanuatu are limited, and specialized services for conditions like those requiring surgery are inconsistently available. Medical evacuations from Vanuatu to countries like Australia or New Zealand can cost over ten thousand US dollars. The nation also struggles with a severe shortage of qualified healthcare professionals and specialized medical supplies.

The timeline

ROMAC began its operations in March 1988. Anis and Melanie arrived in Canberra for their treatment in April 2026. Anis celebrated his 13th birthday while receiving care. Their family's journey marked their first time leaving their home village.

What changed and for whom

Anis and Melanie, who were born with club feet, can now walk following their treatment. The specialized medical care provided in Canberra addressed a condition that could not be treated in Vanuatu. The family received comprehensive support from ROMAC, removing the financial burden of travel, accommodation, and medical procedures, which would otherwise be prohibitively expensive.

What we could not confirm

Details about the specific medical facility in Canberra where Anis and Melanie received their treatment were not confirmed. The length of their stay in Australia following their surgery also remains unconfirmed. Specific recovery timelines or any ongoing physical therapy requirements for the siblings are not detailed in the available records.