Health Minister Acknowledged Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on its contribution in the Health Sector

The Minister of Health and Medical Services, Honorable Dr Paul Popora Bosawai who recently was in Tokyo, Japan, took the opportunity to make a courtesy visit to meet the Senior Vice President of JICA Ms. Imoto Sachiko

At the courtesy visit, Honorable Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, acknowledged the substantial contribution and support received from JICA. This included previous provision of strengthening malaria control system in previous years, ongoing provision of the much-needed human resources through the JOCV programme, the ongoing provision of numerous trainings of our health workers and in particularly that of our biomedical engineers of our hospitals, the ongoing provision of medical equipment through the economic and social development programme and of course the building of health infrastructures including the reconstruction of Gizo Hospital between 2009 and 2011 and the upcoming improvement of Kiluufi Hospital which will begin soon.

With the strong partnership that the Ministry has with its health development and donor partners and its stakeholders, Honorable Dr Paul Popora Bosawai reemphasized with the JICA officials that “Without our development and donor partners in the health sector, the Ministry of Health cannot progress. Strong Health Partnership is critical in building and progressing strong health systems in the country. We need each other to achieve better and improved results and health outcomes”

The courtesy visit was well received by the Senior Vice President of JICA who acknowledged the partnership that JICA has had with the Ministry of Health over the years. (Insert a quote from the vice president

The Health Promoting Village Project (the Project hereafter) which was a bilateral cooperation project between the Solomon Islands’ Government MHMS and the Japanese Government was highlighted by the Senior Vice President as one of its successful projects and one that wishes to share the experiences among Pacific Islands where have similar health issues around Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)The Project was implemented by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) between 2016 and 2021 with support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) with an objective to develop a public health intervention model that prevents multiple health issues and promotes wellbeing in villages. The health issues targeted were malaria, water, sanitation and hygiene, non-communicable diseases and nutrition

Since the courtesy visit by the Honorable Dr Paul Popora Bosawai would have been the first time ever for a Solomon Islands Health Minister to have visited the JICA Headquarters the Honorable Minister Dr Bosawai was indeed grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Senior Vice President of JICA, Ms Imoto Sachiko and her officials.

-ENDS///