In photo left to right: Ms. Harriet Orsborne International Strategies Branch, Dr. George Malefoasi NRH Chief Executive, Mrs. Pauline McNeil MHMS Permanent Secretary, MHMS Minister Hon. Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, Ms. Celia Street PSM, Department of Health, Security and Ageing, Ms. Pamela Hagedorn, Multisectoral Health Branch DFAT, and Dr. Rayboy Seleso GP Health Director.
Health Minister meets Australian Health Officials
The Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Minister Honourable Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai and delegates including the Health Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Pauline McNeil, National Referral Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr. George Malefoasi and Guadalcanal Provincial Health Director Dr. Rayboy Seleso met with Australian Government representatives (led by Acting Deputy Secretary Celia Street PSM, Department of Health, Disability and Ageing) on 20th October, 2025, in Nadi.
Minister Hon. Dr. Bosawai at the meeting sincerely acknowledged the ongoing cordial partnership Solomon Islands have shared with Australia since the establishment of both countries’ relationship.
He highlighted some of the support Solomon Islands received through Australia that are; the continuous vaccination support Solomon Islands from GAVI, which Australia plays critical role through advocating for the vaccine support. Australia’s support towards infrastructure in health and especially the newly constructed State of the Art Naha Birthing and Urban Health Center, national health priorities funding, and the recent Solomon Islands and the Australia Health Partnership that was recently launched, which will support the implementation of the MHMS National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2031.
“In terms of the health sector in our country. I must say that over the twenty years or so, we have been sharing a very good cordial partnership. Australia is one of our number one traditional donors in the health space. I on behalf of the people of Solomon Islands and Government through the MHMS recognize the role Australia has to us”, said Dr. Bosawai.
The Health Minister Dr. Bosawai said he is looking forward to continue working together with Australia in the region, especially in our joint ongoing efforts in the health emerging emergencies and the hazards in the regions.
Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, Acting Deputy Secretary of Health Strategy and First Nations Group, Ms. Celia Street acknowledged and thanked the Solomon Islands Health Minister for meeting with her team.
“Australia is working closely with Solomon Islands to advocate for regional health priorities. We are honoured to contribute to a strong Pacific voice through our respective roles on the WHO Executive Board. We value our engagement with the Solomon Islands through the Pacific Climate and Health Resilience Package. Today’s meeting was a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and information about delivering health to our people,” said Ms. Street.
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