Group photo of Health Minister, Permanent Secretary and Senior Executive, WPRO Regional Director and WHO SI Representative and staffs together with development partners.
Health Minister welcomes Regional Director of the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), Dr Saia Maú Piukala to Solomon Islands
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Minister, Honourable Dr. Popora Bosawai, who is also a current Executive Board Member of the World Health Organization, yesterday officially welcomed the Regional Director (RD) of the Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), Dr Saia Maú Piukala and his delegation to the Solomon Islands. Dr Piukala and his delegation have arrived Sunday 16th November and started his official visit yesterday. Dr. Piukala’s visit underscores World Health Organization’s commitment to supporting Solomon Islands in strengthening health systems and improving health outcomes for all.
In welcoming Dr. Piukala and his delegation, Health Minister Honourable Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai stated, “it is indeed a great honour for me on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the entire health workforce in Solomon Islands, together with our health partners and stakeholders, to offer and render my sincerest welcome to the guest distinguished Regional Director of Western Pacific Regional Office, who arrived yesterday afternoon with his officials”.
This is Dr. Saia’s first regional visit to Solomon Islands since he undertook his role as the Regional Director of the Western Pacific Regional Office, and the first Regional Director from the Pacific Islands ever.
“We are honoured to host you in our country for next 2 days before your departure on Wednesday. Your brief visit to our beautiful country though very brief, will provide you with a glimpse of our context on the ground. You will see and you will hear of the many stories as well as challenges on the ground, and hope that this will further enrich your perspective but also explore our collective efforts to resolve and mitigate our challenges”, said Dr Bosawai.
Health Minister highlighted the Pacific Region, and Solomon Islands faces a looming triple threat posed by NCDs, mental health conditions, and climate change and as such we are overwhelmingly vulnerable to this triple threat. Notwithstanding the importance of the health sector to our economy, we still see under investment in the health sector in Solomon Islands and in many of our small islands countries in the region.
But despite these challenges, the ministry is grateful to its partners and stakeholders such as the World Health Organization and many others including the Australian Government, Japan, UNICEF and the World Bank who continue to support the ministry during its normal and challenging times.
“Dr Saia, Solomon Islands’ partnership with WHO has spanned over 42 years with extensive support drawing on World Health’s Technical and financial support and broader programs support, collectively supporting my Ministry to improve health infrastructures, deliver essential health services and build a stronger and resilient health system in the health sector”, said Dr. Bosawai.
He outlined some of the achievements are; Procurement, Maternal and Child Health Service Quality Improvement, Quality Assurance and Community Engagement support provided by WHO.
He explained the achievements of these activities are very much aligned to Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) Programme of Work which is guided by the 2025–2029 regional vision, “Weaving Health for Families, Communities and Societies”, and further aligns with the global Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW14) for 2025–2028 with its overarching goal to “promote, provide and protect health and well-being for all”
“Most importantly though, is the fact that the implementation of the Programme of Work is more than just technical and financial assistance—it is a testament to the strong and enduring relationship between WHO and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, bound by a mutual commitment to build a healthier, and a resilient future for all Solomon Islanders.
“As a very close partner and ally in health, we are together in our journeys, needing each other more than ever and so today, we recognize and appreciate this enduring partnership.
“As the Regional Director of WPRO, you are placed by God to lead us in the region, a region which is home to 2.2 billion people, one that is dynamic and very diverse, and a region that is fast growing economically. I am grateful, that you are the captain of our WPRO Vaka (ship), setting the strategic vision and direction of our WPRO Region, making the crucial decisions that are essential and critical, and inspiring collective effort of the WPRO Member States
“As one of your crew members of your WPRO Vaka, I stand to reaffirm our collaboration and partnership in “weaving the mat together”, ensuring that each strand of the mat is connected, dependent on each other, strong and resilient towards attainment of shared goals, and ultimately the attainment of Universal Health Coverage for all.
“As an Executive Board Member of WHO, I stand behind you to support your leadership at WPRO and vision of WHO”, said Honorable Dr. Bosawai.
Western Pacific Regional Office, Regional Director Dr. Saia Maú Piukala delivering his remarks.
Health Minister Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai sharing his keynote address at the welcome event.
WPRO Regional Director Dr. Saia Maú Piukala and WHO SI representative Dr. Howard Sobel handed over some office equipment gifts to Minister Health Dr. Bosawai and Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil.
In photo: Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil, Health Minister Dr. Paul Bosawai, WPRO Regional Director Dr. Saia Maú Piukala and WHO Solomon Islands representative Dr. Howard Sobel cutting the cake at the welcome ceremony event.
In group photo: Health Permanent Ms. McNeil, Deputy Secretary Health Care Dr. Jilini and NRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Malefoasi and WHO Country representative Dr. Sobel welcoming the WPRO Regional Director Dr. Piukala and his delegation to Honiara, Solomon Islands on Sunday 16th November 2025.
In photo: WPRO Regional Director Dr. Saia Maú Piukala, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil, Deputy Secretary Health Care Dr. Gregory Jilini, NRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Malefoasi and WHO Country Representative Dr. Howard Sobel seated at the International Airport VIP Lounge.
Figure 1 Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele during his short encounter with WPRO Regional Director Dr. Saia Maú Piukala at the Honiara International Airport. Looking on is Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. McNeil and WHO Country representative Dr. Howard Sobel.
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