National Disability Inclusive Advisory and Coordination Committee Holds First Meeting
Figure 1 In group photo is the Health Minister Hon. Toiraena, Health PS Acting Dr Jilini, Chairman of NDIACC and DSHI Dr Bainivalu together with NDIACC members
National Disability Inclusive Advisory and Coordination Committee (NDIACC) successfully convened its inaugural meeting on 28 October 2026, marking a significant milestone in Solomon Islands’ efforts to advance disability inclusion and uphold the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Committee is coordinated by the National Disability and Rehabilitation Division within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). Membership currently comprises designated Disability Focal Point (DFP), Deputy Secretaries (DS) from the government ministries and identified government agencies. Key stakeholder organizations, including private sector, civil society organization umbrella bodies, and organization of persons with disabilities umbrella body, will be incorporated into the Committee’s future meetings to strengthen multisectoral coordination and collaboration.
NDIACC serves as the national coordinating and advisory body for disability-inclusive development, ensuring that disability considerations are integrated into national laws, policies, programmes, services, projects and development initiatives across all sectors.
The Committee’s objectives include providing strategic and technical advice on disability-inclusive legislation and policies, promoting coordination among stakeholders, facilitating meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes, monitoring the implementation of disability priorities, strengthening accountability mechanisms, promoting awareness of disability rights, and encouraging evidence-based planning through research and data collection.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Morris Toiraena, said the establishment of NDIACC represents an important step towards building a more inclusive society and fulfilling national, regional and international commitments.
“This meeting marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to build a more inclusive society,” said Minister Toiraena. “As the lead disability focal ministry, we appreciate the continued commitment of our partners in promoting disability-inclusive development in Solomon Islands. Your collective efforts are helping to create a society where persons with disabilities can participate fully, equally and meaningfully in all aspects of life.”
The Minister highlighted the theme of the Solomon Islands National Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2023-2031, “Optimize Disability Inclusion and Reduce Disability Exclusion”, emphasizing that disability inclusion is a shared national responsibility requiring strong coordination, collaboration and leadership across government, development partners, civil society organizations and communities.
“As a government, we recognize that persons with disabilities have the same rights, aspirations and potential as every other citizen. Therefore, our policies, programmes, services and development investments must be designed to remove barriers and create equal opportunities for all,” he said.
The Minister noted that the Government’s commitment is guided by the implementation of the Solomon Islands National Disability Inclusive Development Policy and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which Solomon Islands ratified on 22 June 2023.
As a State Party to the CRPD, Solomon Islands is required to submit periodic reports on the implementation of the Convention. The establishment of NDIACC and the advancement of the national CRPD reporting process are key commitments under the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) Policy Translation and Implementation Framework.
Minister Toiraena said NDIACC will play a vital role in coordinating disability-inclusive development and supporting the Government to meet its national and international obligations.
“The Committee provides an important platform for ministries and stakeholders to strengthen coordination, monitor progress, identify challenges and work together to implement commitments outlined in our national policies and international obligations,” he said.
The Minister also reaffirmed the health sector’s commitment to improving equitable access to health services, rehabilitation services, assistive technologies, health promotion programmes and emergency preparedness initiatives that respond to the needs of persons with disabilities.
However, he emphasized that meaningful disability inclusion extends beyond the health sector and requires coordinated action across education, employment, social protection, infrastructure, transport, climate resilience and community development sectors.
Minister Toiraena encouraged members to actively contribute to discussions and strengthen the engagement of Disability Focal Points across government agencies to ensure disability considerations are integrated into planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and reporting processes.
He stressed that success would ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities, including improved access to services, increased participation in decision-making, enhanced economic opportunities, and stronger protection of their rights and dignity.
The Minister concluded by acknowledging the dedication and commitment of NDIACC members and the National Disability and Rehabilitation Division, which serves as the Committee’s Secretariat within MHMS.
“Through a twin-track approach, we must ensure disability inclusion is mainstreamed across all sectors and development initiatives while also implementing targeted interventions that address the specific needs and priorities of persons with disabilities. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive Solomon Islands where every citizen is empowered to contribute to and benefit from national development.”
Ends/////…
Figure 2 Health Minister Hon. Morris Toiraena speaking at the NDIACC meeting.
NDIACC members seated at the meeting.