Tok Stori, Lokol Voisis, Lokol Solusons: Isabel Health Summit Underway

Buala, 11 May 2026 – The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), with support from Australia, hosted a Provincial Health Summit in Isabel Province from 04–08 May 2026. The summit formed part of the national rollout of the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) framework, aimed at strengthening primary health care delivery at the provincial level.

As part of the summit, participants looked at health system performance using the PHCPI framework, developed a Provincial Health Scorecard, identified priority system gaps, and co-designed practical improvement actions. The event sought to strengthen collaboration between provincial health teams, government, communities, and partners.

Isabel Provincial Health Director, Mr Martin Gavira, highlighted the importance of primary health care in improving community health outcomes.

“Primary Health Care is the foundation of our health system. It is where people first seek care, where prevention and health promotion take place, and where trust between communities and health services is built. When Primary Health Care is strong, our people are healthier and our health system becomes more resilient and equitable,” he said.

Mr Gavira acknowledged the leadership of MHMS, the support of the Australian government, and the ongoing commitment of the Isabel Provincial Government.

Speaking on behalf of the Isabel Provincial Government, Mrs Eileen Baragamu reaffirmed the province’s commitment to health as a development priority.

“Strong Primary Health Care is essential for the wellbeing of our people and for the social and economic development of our province,” she said.

Mrs Baragamu also recognised the dedication of frontline health workers and emphasised the importance of collaborative approaches to addressing health challenges.

Both speakers noted the increasing impact of climate-related events, including Cyclone Maila on communities and health services, and reaffirmed the importance of preparedness and coordinated response.

The Isabel Provincial Health Summit reflected a shared commitment to Tok Stori, Lokol Voisis, Lokol Solusons—promoting open dialogue, local leadership, and collective action to strengthen primary health care and improve health outcomes for the people of Isabel Province.

Participants in Isabel Provincial Health Summit

Opening remarks by the Provincial Health Director (Mr. Martin Gavira), Isabel Province, at the Health Summit.

Isabel Provincial Government Representative, Mrs Eileen Baragamu, delivering opening remarks at the Health Summit

Stakeholders including police, provincial government, PWD, and faith-based organisations collaborate in a group exercise scoring the Social Accountability component of the PHCPI tool.

A PWD representative from Varinitu Community, Ward Koviloko, shares his remarks about the health summit.