In group photo: Health Minister Dr Bosawai, Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Minister Ghemu, Australia High Commissioner H.E Hilton, Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health Dr Toca, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. McNeil and together with Health officials and DFAT officials posing with the cheque of SBD$75 million grant that will go to provincial health services
LAUNCH OF $150 MILLION SOLOMON ISLANDS AUSTRALIA HEALTH PARTNERSHIP
The Solomon Islands and Australia have today launched the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership agreement with an amount of SBD$150 million (AUD28 million) investment to enhance healthcare services and delivery across Solomon Islands.
The launch was attended by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon Paul Bosawai, the Minister for Provincial Government, Hon Wayne Ghemu, the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, the Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health, Dr Lucas de Toca and the Permanent Secretary Health, Mrs Pauline McNeil.
Solomon Islands and Australia are long-term partners in the health sector, working together to strengthen health systems, improve health services and better health outcomes for the people of Solomon Islands for over 20 years.
Speaking at the launch this morning, the Australian High Commissioner, Mr Rod Hilton highlighted that “Under the new health partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, this new SBD$150 million investment over four years, from 2025 to 2028, is purposely to support the Ministry of Health in its efforts to implement the National Health Strategic Plan 2022-20231 and further support the delivery of better health services in the country,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“Half of this new funding – $75 million – will go to Provincial Health Services including Honiara City Council to support and improve delivery of essential primary health services on the ground by way of Provincial Grants for the next four years.”
The new Health Partnership also includes a SBD$10 million Health Facility Fund to support targeted, small-scale upgrades for health facilities in every province, and a SBD$10 million National Priorities Fund which will provide a flexible funding mechanism to respond to emerging government health priorities.
Recognising the important role of women play in the health sector, the Health Partnership will establish a SBD$2 million Permanent Secretary’s Women in Health Leadership Award with the aim to advocate, empower and encourage women health professionals to take up leadership roles at both middle management and senior management executive levels in the health sector.
The new Health Partnership will further support the National Referral Hospital through improved clinical governance arrangements and better alignment of the long-standing clinical partnerships that have developed between Solomon Islands and Australian clinical teams over many years.
“As the previous health partnership concludes, today marks the beginning of a new and renewed commitment to our health sector,” Minister Bosawai said.
“The Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership for Health 2025–2028 reinforces Australia’s role as our biggest health development partner and partner of choice in supporting the strengthening of our health systems and the delivery of essential health services.”
Ambassador Dr De Toca said it was a privilege to be in Solomon Islands to celebrate the launch of the new health partnership.
“My visit though very brief has provided a wonderful opportunity to meet many of the dedicated MHMS staff, doctors and nurses,” Ambassador Dr De Toca said.
“It has been an invaluable experience to hear directly about the challenges and opportunities to strengthen our partnership to support improved health services on the ground here in Solomon Islands.”
“My time here has also highlighted that Australia shares more than a partnership with Solomon Islands, but a genuine friendship.”
This new phase of support builds on the legacy of achievements under the former Health Sector Support Program and has a renewed focus on provincial health service delivery, aligned with the National Health Strategic Plan.
Minister Bosawai, High Commissioner Hilton and Ambassador Dr De Toca all expressed deep appreciation for the dedicated staff of the Ministry of Health and health workers across the country, acknowledging their critical role in saving lives and improving the health of all Solomon Islanders.
The new health partnership 2025-2028 marks new chapter and a significant step towards ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Solomon Islanders, paving the way for a healthy future for all.
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