The Vanuatu government, along with the United Nations children's agency UNICEF, is investigating the possibility of using drone technology to deliver medical supplies.
This was to restock remote health clinics which are accessible by boat only.
Drones could be used to deliver medical supplies Photo: 123 RF
UNICEF's Pacific representative, Sheldon Yett, said the idea was in its infancy and the technology may not yet be there, but if it was, it could be revolutionary.
"What we want to do is to see if we can use drones to improve the predictability of supplies," Mr Yett said.
"So if we can find a way to safely and predictably get vaccines to the health centre without putting somebody in an open boat to go across treacherous seas, then we're ahead of the game."
Sheldon Yett said scoping, tests and trials would be carried out throughout the year, and he hoped to have a contract for a province in Vanuatu some time next year.
Listen to interview with Sheldon Yett on Dateline Pacific