Joanne Felicity Woi Mariasua is a Master of Applied Epidemiology (MAE) Scholar in the 2026-2027 cohort, currently placed at the Vanuatu Ministry of Health.  

Joanne is undertaking the MAE to further strengthen her skills in outbreak investigation, data analysis, surveillance system evaluation, research, and public health leadership.

Joanne position at Vanuatu Ministry of Health is the Senior Disease Surveillance Officer, playing a pivotal role in strengthening national surveillance systems and enhancing public health preparedness and response. Her work spans public health surveillance, outbreak preparedness and response, data analysis, capacity building, and One Health coordination; bridging disciplines to protect population health.

With over five years of hands‑on experience, Joanne has contributed extensively to surveillance, emergency response, and One Health initiatives across Vanuatu. She has served as the COVID‑19 Contact Tracing Team Leader, One Health Focal Point in the Ministry of Health, previously was the secretary to the Health Research and Ethics Committee, and at numerous times took on the role of Acting Manager of the Disease Surveillance Unit in Vanuatu. These leadership roles reflect her strong technical expertise and her ability to lead in high pressure, rapidly evolving public health environments.

Driven by a passion for equity and impact, she is committed to building resilient public health systems through mentoring, knowledge sharing, and inclusive surveillance approaches that respond to the needs of vulnerable and underserved communities across Vanuatu.

Field placements | ANU National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health