Additional 150m for Health Sector - Solomon Times Online - Voice of Asia

The Solomon Islands and Australia have officially launched the "Solomon Islands-Australia Health Partnership," a AUD 150 million investment aimed at strengthening healthcare services in the Solomon Islands and saving more lives. The launch of this partnership marks a new stage in the long-term cooperation between the two countries in the health sector, dedicated to improving the health of the people of the Solomon Islands.

The launch ceremony was attended by the Hon. Dr. Paul Bosawai, Minister of Health and Medical Services, the Hon. Wayne Ghiro, Minister of Provincial Government, the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, the Australian Global Health Ambassador, Dr. Lucas de Toca, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Pauline McNeil. This event highlighted the strong commitment of both governments to improving healthcare in the Solomon Islands.

High Commissioner Hilton stated, "This is a new AUD 150 million investment to commence a new phase of our health partnership, with a greater focus on health services in the provinces." He further pointed out, "Half of this new funding, AUD 75 million, will go directly to provincial health departments and the Honiara City Council to deliver essential primary health services. This is in addition to our support for the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, and all other important regional health investments."

The new health partnership also includes a AUD 10 million Health Facilities Fund to support small-scale upgrades to health facilities in each province, and a AUD 10 million National Priorities Fund to address emerging health priorities of the government. In addition, in recognition of the important role of women and emerging leaders in the health sector, the partnership will establish a AUD 2 million Permanent Secretary Women’s Health Leadership Award.

Minister Bosawai stated, "With the previous health partnership coming to an end, today marks a new and recommitted beginning for our health sector." He emphasized, "The Solomon Islands-Australia Health Partnership 2025-2028 solidifies Australia as our largest health development partner and partner of choice, supporting us to strengthen our health system and deliver essential health services." Ambassador de Toca also expressed his honor to be in the Solomon Islands to celebrate the launch of the new health partnership.

The new health partnership will also support the National Referral Hospital through improved clinical governance arrangements and better coordination of long-standing clinical partnerships between Solomon Islands and Australian clinical teams. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of services and management at the hospital, better meeting the needs of patients.

Minister Bosawai, High Commissioner Hilton, and Ambassador de Toca all expressed their deep gratitude for the hard work of the Ministry of Health and health workers across the country, acknowledging their crucial role in saving lives and improving the health of all Solomon Islanders. This health partnership marks a significant step towards ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Solomon Islanders, paving the way for a healthy future for all.