Providing culturally responsible health care to Pacific Islander communities: The creation of a cultural competency training for healthcare professionals

Cultural competency is the ability to respectfully engage, understand, and communicate through conscientious interaction, enabling effective work and meaningful relationships in cross-cultural situations. Cultural competency recognizes the importance for organizations of participants' diverse social and cultural values, beliefs, and behaviors, and has gained attention because it can bridge health perspectives, understanding, and respect between health professionals and patients. There remains a need for cultural competency in healthcare as disparities persist across the U.S. in racial and ethnic minority groups who experience worse health outcomes and lower healthcare quality than the general public. Therefore, a cultural competency training curriculum was created using various resources to improve interactions between Pacific Islander patients and healthcare professionals. This training helps to reduce racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare by encouraging mutual understanding and improving patient satisfaction, adherence to medical instructions, and overall health outcomes by highlighting patient-centered care as a result of utilizing components of cultural competency. To improve patient experiences in Hawai'i, healthcare professionals need the tools to better interact with patients from different cultures, such as Pacific Islanders. This training provides healthcare professionals with culturally-based content for improving cultural competence techniques for interacting with Pacific Island patients. This training was pilot tested with key stakeholders from community organizations and Cancer Center faculty/staff. Local health clinics, providers, and practices will have the opportunity to participate in this training through a Zoombased electronic training format and be provided with three continuing medical education credits. The initial delivery of the training was intended for in-person sessions;however, a virtual format was adapted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent social distancing regulations. Healthcare providers are provided pre-training resources, a pre- and post-test, and a course evaluation to determine the validity of training objectives. To date, two Federally Qualified Health Centers have been provided the training, n=60, as well as one Cancer Health Equity Partnerships' Scientific Workshop, n=40. For attendees, the analysis of correct responses from the pretest to post-test showed a significant improvement on 6 of the 12 questions. Respondents also agreed that the training resources aligned with the course objectives. Improved patient interactions from this training can help support better patient outcomes, adherence to medical advice regarding cancer screenings, and many other aspects of improving health equity for Pacific Islanders.

27th Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology Congress

The proceedings contain 358 papers. The topics discussed include: role of early prophylactic aspirin on Covid-19 outcome in antenatal patients - an audit of a hospital in India;partial intestinal obstruction complicating pregnancy: diagnostic dilemma and management;a case report of uterine rupture recognized during cesarean section at the site of a previous hysteroscopy-related perforation;menstrual characteristics and its related morbidities among adolescent girls living in North Borneo, Malaysia: a questionnaire-based study;the volume of posterior cervical varicose correlates with intraoperative blood loss in placenta previa;implications of large fibroids in pregnancy: a multidisciplinary approach;unexpected ovarian malignancy in postmenopausal women following laparoscopic surgery for adnexal masses - a review of 5 years;post radiotherapy outcome on cervical cancer stage IIIB patients with and without paraaortic lymph nodes enlargement;and evaluation of the relationship between thrombocytosis and clinico-pathological factors of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

Arming the Pacific region against pests and disease

It is reported that networks developed through the ACIAR Pacific Plant Biosecurity Partnership programme continue to help strengthen capacity in the prevention of the spread of pests and disease in crops throughout the Pacific region, despite COVID-19 disrupting the programme. Participants from 9 Pacific countries have developed their skills, networks and capacity to facilitate trade and prevent the spread of disease. Relationships and resources created through the programme continue to provide support for information-sharing around plant pests and diseases.

Rapid SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence Survey in Central and Western Divisions of Fiji, 2021.

During November-December 2021, we performed a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence survey in Central and Western Divisions of Fiji. A total of 539 participants 8-70 years of age were 95.5% (95% CI 93.4%-97.1%) seropositive, indicating high community levels of immunity. Seroprevalence studies can inform public health responses to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Temporariness made interminable: Pacific Islander farmworkers in Australia and the enduring crises of global agricultural production

Drawing on long‐term ethnographic fieldwork with Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) workers in south‐east Australia, I reflect in this paper on the experience of interminable temporariness and on its implications for the structural conditions underpinning contemporary horticultural labour in Australia. Although in many ways reflective of the specificities of a unique historical moment, the interminable temporariness experienced through the COVID‐19 pandemic also speaks to broader, enduring conditions produced within contemporary Australian agriculture. Here, the restructuring of the agri‐industry produces for many what Lauren Berlant describes as the “impasse” or “crisis ordinariness” of life under neoliberalism. At the same time, logics of development—including racialized imaginaries and border regimes—articulate with agricultural guest worker schemes in ways that seek to fix whole populations and regions in relations of suspended hope. In this context, I argue, the pandemic exposed and intensified structural vulnerabilities and unequal distributions of risk, which are encoded in the political economy of farm work in Australia, while also cleaving open new, if tentative, possibilities for agency and solidarity. [ FROM AUTHOR]

From participation to power–Pacific approaches to women’s economic empowerment

Pacific women’s unique economic experiences are under-represented in Pacific development initiatives. Economic empowerment initiatives typically focus on economic participation, without consideration for women’s household labour and the unequal social and economic dynamics within their homes and communities. Within the context of COVID-19, these inequalities have become more pronounced and the need to address them more pressing. This article argues that it is critical that development partners consider how existing economic structures and systems have led to women’s disproportionate economic vulnerability while also prioritising an approach to women’s economic empowerment (WEE) that meets women’s immediate economic, priorities, and material needs. Pacific development organisations have found that greater emphasis is needed on the non-financial dynamics of WEE, such as care distribution, leadership, and collective organising. This article critically considers what works to build WEE in the Pacific region, drawing on the experiences of projects supported by the Pacific Women Shaping Pacific Development Program. It discusses successful measures used by Pacific NGOs to build WEE and their efforts to change gendered power dynamics within the constraints of donor funding and mainstream development programming that continues to be underlined by the ‘smart economics’ rationale. © 2022 Oxfam KEDV.

The China Alternative. Changing Regional Order in the Pacific Islands

The presence of China poses a challenge to the dominance of Western powers and their allies, who have set the agenda in the Pacific since the end of the Second World War. [...]today, the region has been characterised by (post-)colonial power structures. In her opening remarks, Dame Meg Taylor clearly states that the Pacific Island states regard the presence of China in the region as a positive development because it gives PIF countries access to markets, technology, financing and infrastructure. The Boe Declaration of the PIF meeting in 2018, which states that "climate change remains the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and wellbeing of the peoples of the Pacific" (ix) - is the principal element of efforts by Pacific Island state leaders to implement the "Blue Pacific" concept and stands in stark contrast to the environmental and security policy of PIF member country Australia as well as that of the previous Trump administration. In Australia alone, economic damage caused each year by Beijing's punitive actions in response to bans on Huawei equipment (Australia excludes the Chinese company from the country's 5G roll-out) and COVID-19 demands (Canberra's call for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus) runs into the billions annually.

An assessment of socioeconomic impacts due to COVID-19 on coastal fisheries in Tonga

This article presents the main findings and recommendations of a socioeconomic assessment of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Tonga's coastal fisheries sector which was conducted by means of a national survey targeting households that benefit from subsistence and artisanal fishing and focus group discussions targeting registered commercial small-scale fishers. The assessment aimed to (1) better understand the effects of COVID-19 on coastal small-scale fishers and fishing households;(2) examine how they have coped and recovered from the effects of COVID-19;and (3) identify the types of support that they would find helpful to cope with and recover from the effects of COVID-19, as well as future crises.

Climate change and Pacific food systems: decision-making for transformational change - proof-of-concept - final report

Many studies have been conducted on Pacific food crops and fisheries, their vulnerability to climate change, and resilience-building strategies. However, there is a lack of decision-making tools that integrate this information and enable stakeholders to anticipate rapid climate change and uncertainty, and to adapt and transform food systems accordingly. To meet this challenge, in 2019-2020 the Australian Centre for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) and New Zealand's (NZ) Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) funded a proof-of-concept Small Research Activity (SRA). The SRA sought to develop innovative participatory decision-making tools that can map transformational options at a regional level to allow exploration and planning for future food systems. These aimed to integrate up-to-date climate projections with scientific and local knowledge of food systems, as well as determine how existing adaptation pathways planning methods could be modified for application in a food systems context, which has not been done to date. The SRA established a Steering Committee to guide the process, and a Science Committee of Australian and NZ food system researchers to design and test a conceptual approach. A case study was selected in Malaita Province, the Solomon Islands, following discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and the Australian and NZ High Commissions in Honiara. Central and West Kwara'ae Constituencies and Langalanga Ward, which surround the provincial capital of Auki, formed the case study area. While the primary purpose of the SRA was to develop pathways planning methods suitable for a food systems context, the use of a case study helped to ground this in a practical context and test the attractiveness of these approaches with key decision-makers and stakeholders in one or more Pacific Island Countries. In September 2019 - March 2020 the science team collated available downscaled climate projections, sea level rise, cyclone risk and population projection data for the case study, plus an inventory of food and commodities produced in the area. The impact of a 'business as usual' scenario of climate change and population growth was modelled using the Assets Drivers Wellbeing Interaction Matrix (ADWIM), looking forward to both 2030 and 2050. A conceptual approach to planning with these drivers and their impacts in mind was designed based on the 'adaptation pathways' method, which plans for an uncertain future by identifying impacts and assessing and sequencing response options and actions over time. A two day adaptation pathways workshop to provide key decision-makers with an initial introduction to the approach was to be held in Auki in March 2020. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were multiple delays and a fully re-designed workshop was finally conducted in November 2020 with remote participation by the science team, and facilitation by local experts. The workshop process was co-designed with the facilitators, and participants were invited from local farmer groups, the Auki Market Vendors Association, women and youth groups, NGOs and provincial and national government departments. The climate and population projection information, pest and disease, alternative production methods and ADWIM modelling results were presented as part of a decision-into-practice learning cycle. Participants described the current food system, assessed drivers of change, their impacts in 2030 and 2050, agreed an aspirational vision for the food system in 2050, and then began to formulate adaptation pathways to reach the vision by re-designing the food system. Instead of focusing on production alone, the pathways approach addressed many aspects of the food system, including resource conservation, marketing, consumption, waste management, education, land disputes and governance.

Sweet success in farm tourism and beekeeping

It is reported that agritourism and beekeeping have weathered the COVID-19 pandemic in the Pacific region to emerge as key strengths of the second phase of the Pacific Agribusiness Research in Development Initiative (PARDI 2). This ACIAR-supported project is mentoring and training farmers, and building capacity for farmer organisations, to develop agribusinesses in the Pacific region. Development of business skills in agritourism and beekeeping is supporting farm business sustainability and profitability. Connecting new and expanding businesses to mentors and advisers is also building knowledge and facilitating industry development.

Genomic characterisation reveals a dominant lineage of SARS-CoV-2 in Papua New Guinea.

The coronavirus disease pandemic has highlighted the utility of pathogen genomics as a key part of comprehensive public health response to emerging infectious diseases threats, however, the ability to generate, analyse, and respond to pathogen genomic data varies around the world. Papua New Guinea (PNG), which has limited in-country capacity for genomics, has experienced significant outbreaks of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with initial genomics data indicating a large proportion of cases were from lineages that are not well defined within the current nomenclature. Through a partnership between in-country public health agencies and academic organisations, industry, and a public health genomics reference laboratory in Australia a system for routine SARS-CoV-2 genomics from PNG was established. Here we aim to characterise and describe the genomics of PNG's second wave and examine the sudden expansion of a lineage that is not well defined but very prevalent in the Western Pacific region. We generated 1797 sequences from cases in PNG and performed phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses to examine the outbreak and characterise the circulating lineages and clusters present. Our results reveal the rapid expansion of the B.1.466.2 and related lineages within PNG, from multiple introductions into the country. We also highlight the difficulties that unstable lineage assignment causes when using genomics to assist with rapid cluster definitions.

Optimal Strategies for Diabetic Foot Care in Times of Pandemic

Objectives: To determine optimal strategies for diabetic foot care in times of pandemic. Methods: Systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines from May to December 2021, using Pubmed, Scopus, SCIelo, CINAHL and Lilacs databases, with the descriptors DeCs: Diabetic foot, (diabetic foot) AND: (disease prevention), (nursing care), (nursing care), (nursing care)) AND (disease prevention), (nursing care) AND (Strategies), (Coronavirus infections), (Coronavirus infections) Queries Covid-19 articles Category: General, ((diabetic foot) AND (nursing care)) AND (Coronavirus infections). Studies from 2018 to August 2021 were considered. Results: Out of 2464 articles, 28 were selected and evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. 29% articles (8) were developed in countries belonging to Europe, followed by 25% (7) articles from countries in Asia and North America, 14% (4) from countries in South America and 4% (1) article from Oceania and Africa. The results obtained were differentiated between face-to-face and non-face-to-face strategies. Within the latter group, the lines of action defined in the Chilean National Telehealth Program were used to classify the results. Conclusions: The optimal strategies for diabetic foot care in times of pandemic were classified as face-to-face and non-face-to-face. As face-to-face strategy, foot care education and complications were identified. As non-face-to-face strategies, are those focused on the use of tele-education for patients and te-learning for professionals, in addition to support in the evaluation of lesions with telemedicine, tele-assistance, telemonitoring and telefolow-ups. The elements inherent to e-health should be considered, such as: infrastructure, collaboration with the private, associative and multisectoral sectors, evaluations of cost-effective models, adaptation of services to the needs of the population, particularly vulnerable groups.

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT RESEARCH IN WEARABLES: TOWARDS GREATER DIGITAL HEALTH

Background and importance Digital health is the concept that incorporates information and communication technologies into healthcare services. Nowadays, and favoured by the SARSCoV- 2 pandemic, hospital pharmacy has been forced to adopt digital technologies and tools to improve patient care. Aim and objectives If any area of hospital pharmacy has gained prominence in recent years, it is the area of digital health. Therefore, it was decided to analyse current clinical trials in relation to technological devices or wearables. Material and methods Descriptive study of current clinical trials on technological devices from the pharmacological aspect. The following filters were applied: active trials, devices in digital pharmacy, all phases, all ages and both sexes. The type of device was analysed as intervention, pathology, location, and study topic. Both observational and interventional studies were included. The tool used for evaluation was the ClinicalTrials. gov clinical trials registry. Results Nineteen current active phase clinical trials were analysed. The phases of the projects were: phase I-7, phase II-3, phase III-2 and phase IV-7. The main pathologies of the clinical trials were: musculoskeletal disorders (6), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3), Parkinson's neurodegenerative diseases (3), oncology (2), autism (1), renal system (1), cardiac system (1) and self-injection devices (1). The main countries conducting clinical trials were: United States (13), Europe (4), Asia (1) and Oceania (1). Seven projects were detected in the patient recruitment phase. Conclusion and relevance Although the use of wearables in the field of hospital pharmacy is a little known topic, it is increasingly gaining prominence in the literature and in scientific research. Digital health is the driver of change towards new models of care between patients and healthcare professionals. Therefore, it is necessary to continue with research and clinical trials to promote digitisation in hospital pharmacy.

Lessons from the frontline: Leadership and governance experiences in the COVID-19 pandemic response across the Pacific region.

Background: Universal access to safe, effective emergency care (EC) during the COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated its centrality to healthcare systems. The 'Leadership and Governance' building block provides policy, accountability and stewardship to health systems, and is essential to determining effectiveness of pandemic response. This study aimed to explore the experience of leadership and governance during the COVID-19 pandemic from frontline clinicians and stakeholders across the Pacific region. Methods: Australian and Pacific researchers collaborated to conduct this large, qualitative research project in three phases between March 2020 and July 2021. Data was gathered from 116 Pacific regional participants through online support forums, in-depth interviews and focus groups. A phenomenological approach shaped inductive and deductive data analysis, within a previously identified Pacific EC systems building block framework. Findings: Politics profoundly influenced pandemic response effectiveness, even at the clinical coalface. Experienced clinicians spoke authoritatively to decision-makers; focusing on safety, quality and service duty. Rapid adaptability, past surge event experience, team-focus and systems-thinking enabled EC leadership. Transparent communication, collaboration, mutual respect and trust created unity between frontline clinicians and 'top-level' administrators. Pacific cultural assets of relationship-building and community cohesion strengthened responses. Interpretation: Effective governance occurs when political, administrative and clinical actors work collaboratively in relationships characterised by trust, transparency, altruism and evidence. Trained, supported EC leadership will enhance frontline service provision, health security preparedness and future Universal Health Coverage goals. Funding: Epidemic Ethics/World Health Organization (WHO), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office/Wellcome Grant 214711/Z/18/Z. Co-funding: Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Foundation, International Development Fund Grant.

Lessons from the frontline: The value of emergency care processes and data to pandemic responses across the Pacific region.

Background: Emergency care (EC) addresses the needs of patients with acute illness and injury, and has fulfilled a critical function during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Processes' (e.g. triage) and 'data' (e.g. surveillance) have been nominated as essential building blocks for EC systems. This qualitative research sought to explore the impact of the pandemic on EC clinicians across the Pacific region, including the contribution of EC building blocks to effective responses. Methods: The study was conducted in three phases, with data obtained from online support forums, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. There were 116 participants from more than 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories. A phenomenological approach was adopted, incorporating inductive and deductive methods. The deductive thematic analysis utilised previously identified building blocks for Pacific EC. This paper summarises findings for the building blocks of 'processes' and 'data'. Findings: Establishing triage and screening capacity, aimed at assessing urgency and transmission risk respectively, were priorities for EC clinicians. Enablers included support from senior hospital leaders, previous disaster experience and consistent guidelines. The introduction of efficient patient flow processes, such as streaming, proved valuable to emergency departments, and checklists and simulation were useful implementation strategies. Some response measures impacted negatively on non-COVID patients, and proactive approaches were required to maintain 'business as usual'. The pandemic also highlighted the value of surveillance and performance data. Interpretation: Developing effective processes for triage, screening and streaming, among other areas, was critical to an effective EC response. Beyond the pandemic, strengthening processes and data management capacity will build resilience in EC systems. Funding: Phases 1 and 2A of this study were part of an Epidemic Ethics/World Health Organization (WHO) initiative, supported by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office/Wellcome Grant 214711/Z/18/Z. Co-funding for this research was received from the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Foundation via an International Development Fund Grant.

Revision and update of markets for the poor (M4) and Agribusiness Master Class (AMC)

This project set out to review and update the "Making Value Chains Work Better for the Poor" Toolbook (M4P Toolbook) and the ACIAR Agribusiness Master Class (AMC) capacity development program. These revisions had a particular focus on mainstreaming and integrating contemporary thinking and approaches about value chain research, as well as gender equity, social inclusion, and women's economic empowerment. The SRA also sought to explore more sustainable delivery models that integrate rapidly evolving remote and online learning approaches and technologies. An important rationale for this project was the need to progress capacity development programs such as the AMC, that are more cost-efficient, more flexible, and more accessible to a wider range of remotely located participants. The project aim therefore was to develop innovative agribusiness research learning resources and delivery models for the Asia Pacific that specifically mainstreams contemporary gender equity, social inclusion and women's economic empowerment principles and approaches. The project had three main objectives: 1. Review and update the M4P Value Chain Toolbook and case studies: 2. Review and improve the content, format, and delivery of the Agribusiness Master Classes;and 3. Develop a community of practice and explore business models for delivery of M4P Value Chain Toolbook and Agribusiness Master Class program throughout the Asia-Pacific The project contributes towards a wider goal of building capacity in agribusiness researchfor-development methods of young researchers, development specialists and innovative agribusiness operators. A fully revised print-ready 4th edition of the "Making Value Chains Work Better for the Poor" (M4P Toolbook) has been completed. It will be published in English1 and Vietnamese2 . The Toolbook provides value chain practitioners with updated practical tools for value chain analysis, with a stronger focus on poverty, gender, and social inclusion. This updated Toolbook provides robust analytical tools to identify value chain interventions that are inclusive and beneficial to the poor, to both women and men, or to other disadvantaged groups. The Toolbook will provide a valuable reference to research and development professionals for many years and is an added resource for the AMC program. As part of this project the AMC program and materials have been revised, updated, and reformatted. Numerous case-studies and activities have been included. Delivery Notes have been provided for all presentations. These materials have been adapted and suitable for both face-to-face and online delivery. The COVID -19 pandemic has prompted a surge in improvements and adoption of video conferencing, online collaboration, and webinar software apps to support remote engagement and learning. This provides a huge opportunity for ACIAR, University partners and remote collaborators to deliver new high quality, online and blended agribusiness learning, and capability development programs for developing country participants. Platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom also provide the opportunity to efficiently engage external facilitators and mentors, as well as world class researchers and agribusiness specialists in a learning program. However, remote, and online collaboration and learning, cannot always replace the richness of face-to-face interaction and relationship building, along with the considerable benefit of peer-to-peer learning. Which is why experiential components such as the Mini-Project, agribusiness, field, and market visits, and visiting speaker contributions remain very important for adult learning.

Identifying the physical and emotional needs of health care workers in Hawai'i during the COVID-19 pandemic

A mixed-methods study was performed to identify the physical and emotional needs of Hawai'i health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the degree to which these needs are being met by their clinic or hospital. Qualitative interviews and demographic surveys were conducted with two cohorts of health care workers. Cohort 1 (N=15) was interviewed between July 20 - August 7, 2020, and Cohort 2 (N=16) between September 28 - October 9, 2020. A thematic analysis of the interview data was then performed. Participants' primary concern was contracting the illness at work and transmitting it to their families. Solo practitioners working in outpatient clinics reported more financial challenges and greater difficulty obtaining PPE than those employed by hospitals or group practices. While telehealth visits increased for both inpatient and out-patient settings, the new visit type introduced new barriers to entry for patients. The study findings may serve to better understand the effect of COVID-19 on health care workers and support the development of hospital and clinic procedures. Further research into the impacts of COVID-19 on nurses in Hawai'i is recommended.

ENT/Audiology Department of Samoa welcomes the introduction of the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) into the national childhood immunisation program

The Pacific Island region is estimated to have among the highest levels of otitis media (middle ear infections) and secondary hearing loss in the world [3], and a public health approach has already been advocated for its prevention, early identification, and management in the Pacific Islands [4]. The significant factors contributing to pneumococcal carriage and density continue to be young age, residential location, living with young children, low family income, and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection [10]. Again, the lesson we can draw from the Papua New Guinean experience is that PCV is but one part of a package of public health care measures: childhood immunisations should not overshadow the role of environmental health measures in reducing the risk of infections. Ear disease, hearing loss, and PCV introduction in Samoa – the way forward At this time, the foreseeable challenge in Samoa is restoring public confidence in childhood immunisations and achieving optimal immunisation coverage rates through health promotion activities [14].

Special Issue: Microbiologists making waves around the South Pacific. (Special Issue: Microbiologists making waves around the South Pacific.)

This special issue includes 11 articles focusing on development of container laboratories in response to COVID-19;COVID-19 in Fiji;Pacific Regional Infectious Disease Association (PRIDA) - capacity-building for microbiology and infectious disease across the Pacific;meningococcal surveillance in Southeast Asia and the Pacific;tropical fever in remote tropics;movement of arboviruses between Indonesia and Western Australia;Rotavirus surveillance informs diarrhoea disease burden in the WHO Western-Pacific region;surveillance for One Health and high consequence veterinary pathogens (Brucellosis, Coxiellosis and Foot and Mouth Disease) in Southeast Asia - Lao PDR and Cambodia in focus and the importance of international partnerships;Avian influenza H5N1.

Locating the traditional economy in Port Vila, Vanuatu: disaster relief and agrobiodiversity. (Special Issue: Surviving well: from diverse economies to community economies in Asia Pacific.)

Alternative economic indicators are becoming policy in Vanuatu, particularly focusing on what national policy calls traditional economy. Although this acknowledges livelihoods and customary land in rural areas, urban places receive less attention. This article advances an argument that cities are also home to traditional economies. We draw on concepts of diverse economies and translocality to examine how economic practices typically associated with community activities on customary land are also found in cities where households lack direct access to customary resources. Empirical data come from the authors' fieldwork and participation in community-based organisations in Port Vila, Vanuatu, from 2017 to 2020. The case study presents surveys of agrobiodiversity in 27 urban backyards and livelihood practices of 24 households;and accounts of co-authors' participation in community-based disaster to distribute disaster relief supplies from urban to rural, create urban markets for rural crops and build urban resilience following Ambae Island's Manaro volcano eruptions and COVID-19-related unemployment. This study demonstrates how traditional economies are part of everyday urban life.