Local Voices, Real Solutions: Rennell and Bellona Drive Primary Health Care Reform

The Rennell and Bellona Provincial Health Summit was held in Tigoa from 26 May to 2 June 2026 as part of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) national rollout of the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative framework, aimed at strengthening primary health care delivery at the provincial level.

Held under the theme “Tok Stori, Lokol Voisis, Lokol Solusons,” and supported by Australia, the summit brought together health workers, provincial government representatives, church leaders, community representatives and key stakeholders.  Together, they reflected on the current state of primary health care in Rennell and Bellona Province and identified practical ways to improve it.

Honourable Jefter Tuhagense, Speaker of the House and community leader, emphasised that health is a shared responsibility.

“Health is not just the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. It belongs to everyone. If we want lasting improvements, we must move beyond delivering programs and instead work alongside communities, churches and local leaders. Real change happens when communities take ownership”

Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said the summit demonstrated the power of locally driven solutions and strong provincial leadership.

“In Rennell and Bellona, community leaders, health workers and churches are coming together to develop practical actions to strengthen their health system,” said High Commissioner Roach.

“This ensures solutions reflect local priorities and build on what is already working, with Australia supporting MHMS and provincial teams to strengthen primary health care.”

Understanding the challenges—and what is working

Over five days, participants reviewed the provincial primary health care system using local data and lived experience.

A clear message emerged: delivering health services in Rennell and Bellona is especially challenging. The province’s small population, limited workforce, and high logistical costs make outreach services expensive and difficult to sustain across two islands.

At the same time, the scorecard showed that quality of care is generally strong—often exceeding the national average.

Access and coverage remain key challenges, with declines in outreach services over the past four years.

Stronger partnerships with communities and churches

Leaders called for stronger outreach, improved engagement, and more consistent communication with communities. Director of Nursing, Regina Tipaika, said:

“Looking at the scorecard helped us see the bigger picture. We know our staff are working hard and the quality of care is generally good, but governance and planning are areas where we need to improve.”

The South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) and Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church already play a strong role in communities, with networks that support communication and action. They help with health promotion through staff and volunteers, and participants agreed closer partnership with health services is needed.

Jerry Tamonge, a church representative, underscored this point, saying:

“In Rennell and Bellona, the church is at the centre of community life. It has the highest authority and the strongest influence in decision-making and community action.

“This summit highlighted that if we want health programs to reach people and succeed, churches need to be part of the planning, because they already have trusted coordination systems that connect with communities every day.”

A shared path forward

The summit concluded with a strong commitment to deepen collaboration between the Provincial Health Service, government, churches, communities, and partners.

By working through existing church and community systems, Rennell and Bellona have a clear opportunity to extend health services, strengthen prevention, and improve health outcomes across the province.

ENDS///….

Leaders from across Rennell and Bellona Province came together during the Health Summit to share ideas

Participants from across Rennell and Bellona Province working together to identify opportunities during the Health Summit.

Open discussions and shared learning as participants work together to strengthen health services during the Rennell and Bellona Provincial Health Summit

Leaders from across Rennell and Bellona Province collaborating and sharing what’s working in their communities during the Health Summit.

Leaders from across Rennell and Bellona Province collaborating and sharing what’s working in their communities during the Health Summit.