Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Ministry of Home Affairs Sign TOR for 2026 Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Competition

Honiara, Solomon Islands –8^th June 2026 – The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have officially signed the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the 2026 Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Competition (IMHLSC) during the first week of June 2026.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and heart diseases kill eight people in our country every day and 80% of NRH beds are occupied by NCDs. These conditions are largely driven by modifiable risk factors including physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, and substance abuse. The public service workforce plays a critical role in national development, yet many officers face increasing health risks due to sedentary work environments and lifestyle habits. Promoting health and wellness within the public sector is therefore essential for improving productivity, reducing healthcare costs, and enhancing overall wellbeing.

The establishment of the Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Competition marks an important national initiative aimed at fostering healthy lifestyles, promoting social wellbeing, and strengthening unity among government ministries and public officers throughout Solomon Islands.

The competition is organized under the theme “Healthy Workforce, Healthy Nation” and seeks to promote participation in sports and physical activities among public servants. The Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, is committed to ensuring that the competition becomes an annual event.

This partnership aligns with key national policies and strategies, including the Solomon Islands NCD Multi-Sectoral Policy, Roadmap and NCD Strategic Plan 2025–2030, as well as the National Sports and Recreation Policy. Through this initiative, both ministries aim to contribute to improved health outcomes and increased physical activity among public servants.

The organizing committee has been working diligently to ensure the smooth coordination and successful delivery of the event, including preparations for the official opening scheduled for Friday, 12 June 2026.  The Organizing Committee   expect all participating ministries to attend the parade during the official opening with their Banners and Uniforms.

A total of 26 government ministries are expected to participate in this year’s competition. Sporting events will include:

• Athletics
• Volleyball
• Football
• Futsal
• Netball
• Basketball
• Table Tennis

The competition promotes gender equality and inclusiveness while encouraging participation across the public service. It also seeks to foster sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and healthy lifestyles among public officers.

The Inter Ministry healthy lifestyle and sport committee has identified several key objectives including:

• Supporting the Solomon Islands NCD Multi-Sectoral Policy, Roadmap and NCD Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
• Supporting the Solomon Islands National Sports and Recreation Policy.
• Reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and heart disease.
• Addressing NCD risk factors such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition, smoking, and substance abuse among public servants.
• Encouraging annual NCD health screenings across all government ministries.
• Promoting regular participation in sports and recreational activities.
• Enhancing health and wellbeing through increased physical activity.
• Expanding access to sports and recreation opportunities for public servants throughout Solomon Islands.
• Building capacity and access to sports resources across sectors.
• Supporting employment opportunities and economic productivity through sports and recreation.
• Encouraging sportsmanship, discipline, and teamwork among public officers.
• Promoting national unity and cultural exchange through sport.

The Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Competition is expected to play a significant role in promoting healthier lifestyles, strengthening workplace relationships, and contributing to a healthier and more productive public service workforce in the Solomon Islands.

The alignment theme “Heathy Workforce, Heathy Nation” signified a bench mark for all Government workforce with due diligence and deliverable efforts that may contribute to social and economic Endeavor in the country.