Accurate data collection is difficult in Vanuatu. There is the risk of under-ascertainment however, the figure of 27/1000 represents the current best possible estimate of perinatal mortality at VCH over the last 20 years. VCH is Vanuatu's premier hospital and it is likely that the national figure for perinatal mortality is higher, probably in the range of 37-39/1000. This places Vanuatu's perinatal mortality at a level 30 years or more behind Australia. These figures represent the largest account of hospital based perinatal data collected from any Pacific island nation.