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
SOLOMON ISLANDS AUSTRALIA HEALTH PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHED
The Minister for Health and Medical Services and the Australian High Commissioner this morning signed an agreement to launch the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership in the presence of the Australian Ambassador for Global Health Dr Lucas de Toca, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Mrs Pauline McNeil and officials from both the Solomon Islands and Australian governments at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Compound.
The new partnership will see Australia invest SBD150 million over the next 4 years starting this year until 2028 to support equitable access to quality health services for all Solomon Islanders.
The partnership focusses on 4 key areas including Provincial Grants, National Health Priorities Fund, the Health Facility Fund and a new initiative called the ‘Women in Health Leadership Awards.
Assistance from the partnership will also oversee strengthening of health service delivery including stronger clinical governance arrangements to improve the quality of health services, stronger alignment of Australian clinical partnerships at NRH, supporting management and delivery of provincial health services, with a focus on inclusion and climate resilience and better coordination and visibility of Australia’s health investments.
Speaking at the signing ceremony this morning, Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Paul Popora Bosawai described the signing as a reinforcement of Australia’s role as the biggest contributor to health and the partner of choice.
“As the previous health partnership (2016–2024) concludes, today marks the beginning of a new and renewed commitment to our health sector. The Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership for Health 2025–2028—which will be officially signed and launched later today—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.”
“However, success in health service delivery is not the work of one partner alone. Achieving sustainable and quality healthcare requires collective effort. I therefore call upon our dedicated healthcare professionals, from the NRH, Provincial Health Services, and Area Health Centers (AHCs) to be part of this exciting journey,” said Minister Bosawai.
Meanwhile Permanent Secretary Mrs Pauline McNeil reminded health workers of their calling to deliver quality health services.
“As health workers, or officials at the health sector, or partners working for the health sector, our overall calling is a very simple one and that is to deliver better quality health services for our people, health services that are close to where they live, work, sleep and play to ensure that they are not financially burdened to access health services.
“Yes, we face our own sectoral challenges particularly on budget pressures which in turn impact and put pressure on our health service delivery efforts, human resources gaps and capacity, that also impact on our service delivery efforts. We are thankful to our development partners and particularly the Australia Government who continue to support us in our efforts in ensuring that we deliver health services to the last mile. That is our call.
“The launch this morning is that, it demonstrates the very essence of partnership moving forward, achieving results and making an impact in the health sector, but more so making a difference in the lives of our people, men and women, young and old and our children,” said PS McNeil.
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