Health & Partners Celebrate International Day of Midwives in Honiara

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), together with its health partners and midwives from the National Referral Hospital, Honiara City Council, provincial hospitals, Area Health Centres, and Rural Health Centres, on 5^th May celebrated the International Day of Midwives under the theme “One Million More Midwives.”

The celebrations began with a parade from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Kukum Campus to the Multipurpose Youth Hall in Chinatown, where the official program was held.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Acting Health Minister Hon. Bradley Tovosia, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil said she was honoured to join midwives across the country in commemorating the International Day of Midwives 2026.

“As we gather, we are reminded of the sacred nature of this profession. As it is often said, ‘Blessed are the hands that welcome new life, for through them, God’s greatest gift enters the world,’” she said.

“Today, 5th May is a moment to celebrate and honour the life-saving work of our midwives, the frontline guardians of maternal and newborn health. However, appreciation for midwives should not be limited to one day; every day should be an opportunity to thank them for their dedication to protecting life, upholding dignity, and nurturing futures.”

Mrs. McNeil noted that this year’s theme is both a call to action and a reminder of the urgent need to invest in and strengthen the midwifery workforce.

She highlighted that the World Health Organization estimates midwives can deliver up to 87% of essential care for women and newborns, reducing maternal deaths by up to 67% and newborn deaths by up to 64% when properly trained and supported.

“In the Solomon Islands, this reflects our reality. Our midwives are the backbone of maternal and newborn care. From busy urban facilities to remote island communities, you continue to provide skilled, compassionate, and life-saving care often in the face of geographical challenges, limited resources, and workforce constraints,” she said.

She also acknowledged the contributions of health workers, provincial health authorities, development partners, training institutions, community leaders, fathers, and families in supporting safe motherhood and positive birth outcomes.

Mrs. McNeil further highlighted that the country’s maternal mortality ratio has declined significantly from 324 per 100,000 live births to 114 per 100,000 live births between 2003 and 2020, compared to the global target of 70 per 100,000 live births.

Similarly, infant mortality has improved, declining from 117 per 1,000 live births to 113 per 1,000 live births, though still above the global target of 12 per 1,000 live births. Skilled birth attendance currently stands at 86.7%.

“These gains reflect the dedication of our midwives and the broader health system. However, they also remind us that more work remains to be done,” she said.

The Permanent Secretary stressed that the global theme “One Million More Midwives” speaks directly to the country’s needs, noting that there are still not enough midwives to meet demand.

She outlined the Government’s commitment to:

• Expanding midwifery training
• Improving deployment, particularly to rural areas
• Strengthening continuous professional development
• Enhancing working conditions
• Supporting retention of midwives

“This address not only recognises the contributions of midwives but also provides strategic direction for the future of maternal and newborn health in our country,” she said.

“It reinforces the Government’s commitment to strengthening midwifery services as a national priority and underscores the importance of sustained investment in this critical workforce.”

She emphasised that investing in midwives is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve health outcomes, build stronger communities, and ensure a healthier nation.

“Investment in midwives is not optional it is essential. Let us move from commitment to action, and from recognition to sustained investment in our midwifery workforce,” she said.

“Together, we are building a stronger, healthier Solomon Islands, one safe birth at a time. A nation where every woman has access to a skilled midwife, every birth is safe, and every newborn has the best possible start to life.”

Meanwhile, other guest speakers also highlighted the importance of midwifery and emphasised that everyone in the community plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of mothers and newborns.

Mrs. Pauline McNeil, Health Permanent Secretary sharing the keynote address

Dr. Humpress Harrington, SINU School of Nursing Dean sharing his remarks and looking on is Male student midwife Dennis Philip

Ms. Vaela Devesi, Women Development Division Director, MWYCFA sharing her remarks at the celebrations

Mrs. Jessie Larui, President of Midwifery Association Solomon Islands sharing the opening remarks at the event

Acting National Director of Nursing Mr. Japhet Honimae sharing the welcome remarks at the event

NRH Midwife Esther Tausiria sharing her testimony working as a midwife for more than 20 years

Provincial Hospital representative Midwife Catherine Vilaka sharing her testimony and experience working as a nurse and midwife for more than 30 years

Area Health Center Midwife Barbara sharing her experience working as a midwife serving in the AHC

Midwife Ellen Lusi sharing her experience working as a midwife for the Good Samaritan Hospital

Student Midwife Dennis Philip shares his experience of why he chooses to study midwife

The midwifes performs a drama at the event

Drama performs at the event

All the guest speakers and guests at the event cuts the cake to celebrate the day

Midwives who attended the celebration

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