Some of the participants (nurses) during the training.
MHMS Strengthens Antenatal Care Services for Guadalcanal Nurses
Training aims to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes across the province
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), through the Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child Adolescent (RMNACH) division, with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) through the World Health Organization (WHO), conducted a two-day Antenatal Care (ANC) training for Guadalcanal Provincial nurses from Zones One and Two on 3rd to 4th November 2025.
Eighteen nurses attended the training, facilitated by Mrs. Esme Harara, Midwife and Master trainer, Mrs. Jenny Gaiofa (KOICA), and Mrs. Rose Ghaoka (Guadalcanal Province). The training aimed to strengthen nurses’ knowledge and skills in providing quality antenatal services to support the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies.
The training covered several important areas. Nurses learned about the updated ANC package and service delivery standards, identifying and managing high-risk pregnancies, and the importance of screening and testing for HIV, syphilis, hemoglobin, gestational diabetes, and the upcoming hepatitis B testing. They were also encouraged to promote early ANC booking in the first trimester and to ensure pregnant women complete eight ANC visits throughout pregnancy. In addition, the training emphasized proper nutrition, emergency obstetric care, and supportive, compassionate care, all contributing towards the Ministry’s efforts towards the triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B.
Dr Sarah Habu, Director RMNCAH said, “It is a great logistic and financial challenge to reach every nurse across all the health facilities of the Solomon Islands for refresher trainings. Therefore, the division appreciates the support from the KOICA-WHO project in reaching all zones of the most populous provinces, Western, Malaita, Honiara City and Guadalcanal Provinces for such trainings. It is my hope that more support will be forthcoming to reach all zones across the Solomon Islands.
Mrs. Esme Harara, Midwife and Facilitator said the training is vital for both nurses and doctors. It enables them to understand the importance of providing comprehensive antenatal care from early pregnancy through to delivery.
Mrs. Rose Ghaoka, Guadalcanal Province Reproductive Health Coordinator, highlighted the positive impact of similar earlier trainings: “Since the training for Eastern Guadalcanal nurses earlier this year, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in ANC referral pathways. Continued training will help reduce maternal deaths, as nurses can better identify high-risk mothers and ensure timely care.”
Ms. Theresa Chiria, Registered Nurse at Mbabanikira Clinic, described the training as “a valuable refresher that helps nurses provide quality antenatal care to mothers.”
Meanwhile, Guadalcanal Provincial Director, Dr Rayboy Seleso stated the training was strategic and evidence based in a sense that nurses and midwives from zones with high rate of maternal deaths were selected and trained. “In a resource constraint environment, this is the best we can do to help improve the health and wellbeing of our mothers in GP.”
The MHMS, through the RMNCAH Division, acknowledges with appreciation the ongoing financial and technical support of KOICA and WHO respectively. Their continued partnership is essential in strengthening frontline health workers and improving maternal and newborn health services across the Solomon Islands.
Some of the nurses during group discussion.
Some of the participants (nurses) during the training.
ENDS