HEALTH MINISTER ATTENDS FIRST WHO REGIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING
Minister for Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Hon. Morris Toiraena, attended his first World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee Meeting, accompanied by Acting Permanent Secretary Dr Gregory Jilini and Chief Executive Officer of the National Referral Hospital (NRH), Dr George Malefoasi, in Manila, Philippines.
Speaking during the opening session on 19 October, Minister Toiraena expressed appreciation for the work of WHO in the Western Pacific Region and its 34 Member States. He also congratulated WHO Regional Director Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala on his leadership and commitment to the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO).
Minister Toiraena reaffirmed Solomon Islands’ commitment to WHO and its work across the region.
“We deeply appreciate your commitment to ensuring that the priorities, circumstances, and voices of small and more vulnerable Member States continue to receive due consideration within the global health agenda,” he said.
The Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong policy focus on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through effective policies and strategic direction aimed at improving access to health services for all people.
He noted that quality healthcare service delivery encompasses a full range of essential health services, including promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care.
“Healthcare service provision requires effective and equitable health financing systems to support universal health coverage, while ensuring health equity to address disparities in health outcomes and guarantee that all individuals benefit from quality healthcare services,” Minister Toiraena said.
He added that strong leadership and governance are critical to ensuring health policies are developed and implemented in ways that advance the broader socioeconomic goals of universal health coverage.
Meanwhile, WHO Regional Director Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala highlighted significant health improvements and achievements across Member States, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges posed by both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
During the weeklong meeting, Solomon Islands and other Member States will consider a range of regional health priorities and reaffirm their commitment to addressing traditional, longstanding, and emerging public health challenges.
Left to right: Health Permanent Secretary Acting Dr Gregory Jilini, Health Minister Hon. Morris Toiraena and NRH Chief Executive Officer Dr George Malefoasi.
Hon. Morris Toiraena speaking at the WPRO meeting.
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