Five rural health clinics in Western Province are strengthening their capacity to maintain rainwater catchment systems and promote safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices following a week-long training delivered by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands, with support from World Vision Solomon Islands (WVSI).
Conducted from 8 to 15 October under ADRA’s Rehabilitation of Rainwater Catchment System Project (RRCSP), the training was funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP).
It aimed to equip clinic health committees and community representatives with practical skills to repair and maintain water tanks, helping sustain safe and reliable water supplies for essential health services.
The training took place at Tapurai and Lengana clinics on Simbo Island, Keigol and Korovuku clinics on Ranongga Island, and Vanga Clinic on Kolobangara Island. Approximately 16 participants from each clinic attended, including clinic health committee representatives, women, young people, people with disabilities and other community members.
Facilitated by staff from the Environmental Health Division of the Western Provincial Government, the training combined practical water tank maintenance with WASH awareness. The activity was coordinated by Melina Navo, Project Officer for the RRCSP.
Access to safe and reliable water is essential to the daily operation of rural health facilities, supporting hygiene, infection prevention and the delivery of health services. By strengthening the knowledge and skills of clinic committees and surrounding communities, the initiative promotes local ownership and responsibility for maintaining water infrastructure beyond the project implementation period.
Clery Sene, Chairman of Tapurai Clinic on Simbo Island, welcomed the training, saying it had helped the community better understand how to maintain the clinic’s water tank and protect its water supply.
“I am very happy with this training. Although this is a small project, it is important because it helps us understand how to maintain the water tank and ensure it continues to support the clinic,” he said.
“Our community will make sure we look after this water tank and work together to keep it in good condition for the benefit of our clinic. We are the people who use this clinic, so it is our responsibility to care for the facilities provided for us,” Mr Sene added.
Paul Komaasia, a registered nurse at Vanga Clinic, highlighted the importance of water to the continued delivery of health services.
“We might look at this water tank as something small and think it is not very important, but it plays a significant role in the daily operation of our clinic,” he said.
“Without water, the clinic would not be able to continue providing its services. Therefore, this training is important for all of us. We must work together to ensure that our clinic facilities, especially the water tank, are properly maintained to support the continued delivery of health services.”
Jack Igolo from Korovuku Clinic also expressed his appreciation to ADRA for organising the training, saying it had reinforced the community’s responsibility to care for its water infrastructure, particularly when water supplies become challenging during deliveries and other essential clinic activities.
The initiative highlights the importance of humanitarian partnerships in supporting essential services and building community resilience. Through its support for the RRCSP, World Vision Solomon Islands contributes to efforts to strengthen water access and WASH practices in rural communities, complementing broader humanitarian efforts to help communities protect and sustain essential facilities.
ADRA Solomon Islands and World Vision Solomon Islands have opportunities to build on this work through continued collaboration in humanitarian response, community resilience and access to essential services.
As the RRCSP approaches the end of its implementation period, ADRA Solomon Islands will conduct a final health awareness programme across the five project sites in the coming weeks. The programme will reinforce safe water handling, hygiene practices and community responsibility for maintaining the rainwater catchment systems that support rural health services.
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
A newborn baby boy found abandoned in the Fasitoro area in Auki on Thursday morning has been described as a miracle survivor after enduring hours without mothers feeding.
Auki clinic nurse Hazel Chem, who treated the infant after he was rushed to the clinic for medical attention, said the baby’s survival was surprising given the circumstances in which he was found.
Chem said the infant was left in an open area inside a tightly tied shopping bag, with his umbilical cord improperly body uncleaned.
She said ants were already gathering around the bag and beginning to enter it when the baby arrived at the clinic.
“We are surprised that the little one survived, and it must be a miracle,” Chem said.
She believed the baby may have been left at the location between 2 am and 3 am, based on the presence of ants around the shopping bag and the conditions in which the infant was found.
Chem also expressed gratitude to Almighty God for preserving the baby’s life.
“We thank Almighty God for saving the baby’s life and ensuring he was found,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chem encourages women and young girls who become pregnant but feel unable to raise their babies to seek help from people willing to care for them.
“There are many people who want babies. So, if you become pregnant and do not want to look after the child, please seek someone who can take the baby and care for the baby,” she said.
Chem added that several people had expressed interest in the infant. However, she declined to provide further details, saying the baby was with a prospective adoptive mother.
Photo: Supplied
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BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
A newborn baby boy found abandoned inside a tightly tied red shopping bag at Fasitoro Heights in Auki, Malaita Province, this morning is in stable condition following medical treatment.
The infant was discovered at around 7am after two young boys reportedly heard him crying from inside the bag and alerted a nearby resident.
Kenneth Tuhaika, who rescued the baby, said he was returning home when the boys approached him and explained what they had heard.
The infant being treated at Auki Clinic.
“I was coming back to my house when the two little boys came and told me they had heard a baby crying from inside a plastic bag left near their residence,” he said.
Tuhaika immediately rushed to the scene and opened the bag, discovering the newborn inside. He carefully lifted the baby, wrapped him in a blanket and took him to Auki Clinic for medical attention.
“It was really sad and emotional when I first touched and held the baby. I even asked God why He gives babies to people who do not want them rather than to those who truly want them,” he said.
The infant reportedly weighed 2.7 kilograms and measured 47 centimetres in length.
Hazel Chem, the nurse in charge at Auki Clinic, confirmed that the baby was stable and had received the necessary treatment.
She said the infant was now with a woman intending to adopt him and provide the care he needs.
When Island Sun visited the clinic, the baby had been cleaned and fed milk, while the prospective adoptive mother had purchased essential items for his care.
The prospective adoptive mother had purchased essential items for his care.
The woman, identified as Tracey Babalu, appeared happy to welcome the child into her care, describing him as a little angel saved by Almighty God.
A video showing the rescue has since circulated widely on social media, prompting strong reactions from members of the public over the circumstances in which the newborn was found.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and welfare of newborns, while the swift response by the two boys and Tuhaika helped ensure the infant received medical attention.
Meanwhile, Auki police have confirmed to Solomon Star that a report has been received and an investigation into the incident is underway.
Police have yet to establish the identity of the baby’s mother.
[PHOTO CAPTION: Newborn baby boy is carried by his prospective adoptive mother, Tracey Babalu, at Auki. Photo credit: Hazel Chem/Facebook.]
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has successfully conducted a critical in-country workshop focused on Nursing Regulation, Standards and Accreditation. Held from 13 to 16 October 2026, the four-day initiative was organised through the National Nursing Administration Division and the Solomon Islands Nursing Council to improve local healthcare delivery.
According to the MHMS stated, that the workshop received substantial support from the Australian Government through its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It was also supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
This training forms part of the broader Strengthening Health Workforce in the Pacific (Nursing and Midwifery) Program. This regional initiative aims to build a sustainable, resilient health workforce and enhance population health across 13 Pacific Island Countries.
The program focuses specifically on improving clinical leadership, professional governance, regulation, and consistent practice standards across the region. Additionally, it integrates important principles of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into local frameworks.
Health Minister Morris Toiraena delivered his remarks at the conference. Photo Credit MHMS.
Speaking at the official opening, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Honorable Morris Toiraena, expressed gratitude to the Australian Government, DFAT, the WHO, and the UTS Collaborating Centre.
He commended their continued partnership and dedication to strengthening the nursing and midwifery sectors within the Solomon Islands.
Minister Toiraena noted that the workshop directly builds on momentum generated during the 2025 Pacific Leadership Programme in Sydney. During that event, Solomon Islands fellows established a national task force dedicated to elevating local nursing regulations and professional registration.
“Today, we take the next important step in that journey,” Minister Toiraena stated. He emphasized that nurses and midwives make up the vast majority of the regulated healthcare workforce in the Pacific. These professionals remain vital for providing essential healthcare services to local communities, rural clinics, and during national health emergencies.
However, the Minister pointed out that providing safe, high-quality medical care requires strong foundational systems. These systems include modern legislation, effective governance, transparent professional standards, quality education, institutional accreditation, and continuous professional development.
To address these needs, the government has prioritized a comprehensive review of the Nursing Council Act. This aligns with the National Health Strategic Plan’s directive to modernize health laws in accordance with contemporary health sector policies.
“This work is not simply about regulation. It is about protecting patients, improving the quality of care and strengthening public confidence in our health services,” Minister Toiraena stated. He added that a robust regulatory framework ensures healthcare workers are thoroughly prepared, supported, and held accountable to international best practices.
Furthermore, the Minister stressed that a well-regulated healthcare workforce remains fundamental to national health security. It enhances the country’s capacity to manage epidemics, natural disasters, climate change impacts, and unexpected public health emergencies.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workforce capacity, staff retention, professional specialisation, and ethical practices.
Minister Toiraena encouraged the participants to engage constructively, share experiences, and identify practical solutions that can be translated into national actions.
He concluded by noting that the success of the workshop will ultimately be measured by the practical improvements that follow.
Both the Australian Government and the WHO have reaffirmed their long-term commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands’ nursing sector. This collaborative effort marks a historic milestone for medical practitioners nationwide. This vision guarantees better healthcare outcomes.
[Photo caption: Some of the participants seated at the nursing conference. Photo Credit: MHMS]
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
More than 100 residents, including women and children, in Moe Village, Russell Islands (East Lavukal Ward), are facing an increasingly worried situation due to severe food, water, and medicine shortages due to Prolonged Dry Season.
Moe development coordinator Sammy Vaurou told Island Sun yesterday in a phone interview from Moe Village, Russell Islands that the remote island community has been struggling to survive since the onset of a harsh dry season since July 2026.
According to Vaurou, unlike larger communities on the mainland, Moe Village is entirely isolated on a smaller offshore island, leaving residents with no natural, local fallback water sources during this prolonged dry spells.
A completely dry communal rainwater harvesting tank in Moe Village, leaving more than 100 residents without a local supply of clean drinking water, photo credit- Sammy Vaurou.
A traditional hand-dug well in Moe Village that has completely dried down to the soil, photo credit- Sammy Vaurou.
He said that the situation has grown so critical that villagers are forced to make a dangerous, two-hour boat journey across open seas to Komibo just to collect basic drinking water.
“A single round-trip sea fare costs $250 SBD, creating an unsustainable economic burden on families whose local food gardens and livelihoods have already been devastated by the drought,” he said.
Parched soil and wilting sweet potato (kumara) crops in a Moe Village family garden, illustrating the severe impact of the dry spell on local food security, photo credit-Sammy Vaurou.
He further said that community leaders are issuing an urgent plea to the National Disaster Council (NDC) and provincial disaster authorities for immediate humanitarian intervention.
“The village requires emergency deployments of fresh drinking water, emergency food rations, and medical supplies to combat emerging health risks,” he said.
This localised crisis comes as the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) continues monitoring severe, below-normal rainfall patterns across parts of the country.
While the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) has deployed emergency water security missions to hard-hit areas like Rennell and Bellona this month, smaller island communities like Moe fear they are slipping through the cracks.
Mr Vaurou said residents are calling on the national government to recognise their plight as a matter of extreme urgency before the lack of medicine and clean water results in a severe public health emergency.
Photo credit: Sammy Vaurou
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
PARISHIONERS from Noro, Ringi, Poitete, Rarumana and Fishing Village gathered in Gizo to celebrate St Luke Saint Day, strengthening fellowship and reaffirming their commitment to spreading the Gospel.
The celebration began on Saturday evening and continued through Sunday, bringing together members of the Anglican community for prayers, action choruses and feasting to mark the special occasion.
Speaking during the celebration, Assistant Parish Priest of Noro Parish, Lonsdale Bako, reminded Christians that spreading the Gospel is everybody’s responsibility.
He said the saints have already played their part in spreading the Christian faith, and the responsibility now rested on every Christian to continue their work.
End of Church Service. Photo Ben Bilua.
Bako said the life and example of St Luke demonstrated the importance of a renewed life in Jesus Christ and the mission to heal human souls.
“St Luke is a doctor and a Gentile. He sees Jesus not only for the Jews but for everyone. St Luke recognises the need to rewrite the Gospel, which he did.
“This means Jesus Christ belongs to all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Guest of Honour and Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka, congratulated St Luke Parish for successfully hosting the celebration.
He said the event demonstrated the spirit of unity and cooperation among parishioners in their shared mission to spread the Gospel.
Tozaka acknowledged that Gizo was facing water and electricity supply challenges but said the parish had continued with its plans to host the celebration.
Gizo Mother Union dancing group. Photo Ben Bilua.
“I understand that Gizo is facing water problem and also power problem, but you still decided to host this event.
“I, on behalf of the Premier and the government of Western Province, acknowledge the Anglican community here in Western Province for your support in spiritual development,” Tozaka said.
He said the Western Provincial Government recognised the important role churches played in nurturing responsible citizens and promoting spiritual development across the province.
Tozaka added that the provincial government looked forward to continuing its collaboration with churches in supporting communities and developing good citizens.
The celebration concluded with parishioners sharing fellowship and reaffirming their commitment to the Christian faith.
[Absiu Dancing group entertaining the crowd. Photo Ben Bilua.]
The University of Auckland says Sir Collin Tukuitonga, co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, has spent the past year arguing the Pacific offers solutions on climate and health. He was named President-Elect of the World Obesity Federation in August.
奥克兰大学表示,科林·图库伊通加(Sir Collin Tukuitonga),太平洋健康中心(Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa)共同主任,过去一年一直在争论太平洋地区在气候和健康方面提供解决方案。他于八月被任命为世界肥胖联合会(World Obesity Federation)当选会长。
Helma Sikekolo has delivered the first baby at the newly opened Naha Birthing Centre, as 24-hour low-risk maternity services begin in Honiara.
The post First baby born at new Naha Birthing Centre as round-the-clock services begin appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
Health officials say breast cancer screening remains low in Solomon Islands, with just 190 mammograms carried out at NRH in the first half of 2026.
The post Breast cancer screening remains low as Solomon Islands launches awareness campaign appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Twenty-one cancer survivors have shared their personal experiences of battling cancer at a Pinktober Survivors Breakfast organised by the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) at Heritage Park in Honiara this morning.
The breakfast aimed to raise cancer awareness, encourage early detection and highlight the importance of supporting patients and their families throughout their cancer journey.
The event brought together cancer survivors, health professionals, government representatives and media personnel to recognise the strength and resilience of those affected by cancer.
Member of Parliament for Ngella Constituency, Choylin Yim Douglas, highlighted the importance of the gathering, describing it as a significant milestone for women, families and communities affected by cancer.
She praised the 21 survivors for their courage, faith and determination in facing the challenges of the disease.
Behind every survivor, she said is a story of fear, pain, tears, sleepless nights and sacrifices.
She stressed that Pinktober awareness must lead to action and encourage women to understand their health, recognise changes in their bodies and seek medical advice early.
She also urged women not to feel ashamed to ask for help, noting that many people in Solomon Islands continue to suffer silently.
She called on families and communities to stand together and ensure that cancer patients and survivors receive the dignity, love, understanding and practical support they need.
The message also emphasised that survivors should not be defined by their scars, but by their courage, strength and determination to continue living their lives.
In his keynote address, Deputy Policy Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Kelton Sikala, encouraged women to overcome their fears and seek medical attention early.
Mr Sikala stressed that early detection saves lives and women should not allow fear to prevent them from seeking health services.
He also acknowledged the mental and emotional challenges faced by cancer patients, highlighting the need for continued support throughout their treatment and recovery.
Mr Sikala further pointed to the importance of government policies, strategies and commitments addressing cancer, including breast cancer.
However, he said policies alone cannot not save lives without effective partnerships to translate government commitments into practical action that reaches communities.
Meanwhile, Dr Andrew Soma from the Oncology Unit at the National Referral Hospital delivered a presentation on cancer affecting Solomon Islands, including data on reported cases.
His presentation highlighted the importance of cancer awareness and the need for people to understand the disease and seek medical attention when necessary.
Among the survivors whose experiences were highlighted was Flory Rotohaipata, an elderly woman.
According to her granddaughter, Mrs Rotohaipata had lived with cancer for approximately 35 years and survived the disease.
Her story reflected the difficult journey faced by cancer patients and the courage required to endure the physical and emotional challenges associated with the disease.
The survivors expressed their gratitude to SIPPA and the organisers for bringing them together and providing an opportunity to share their experiences.
The Pinktober Survivors Breakfast served as an important reminder that cancer awareness must be supported by early medical attention, strong family support and practical action within communities.
The gathering was also about encouraging Solomon Islanders to stand together to support cancer patients and survivors, and to ensure that no one has to face the challenges of cancer alone.
Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
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BY TONY IROGA
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) has received a major boost to its mobility services following a generous donation of 24 wheelchairs from the Solomon Islands Recognised Seasonal Employers Association (SIRSEA) Hastings, New Zealand.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in a statement said the handover took place early this week, marking a proud milestone for the association of seasonal workers.
Speaking at the handover on behalf of the MHMS, hospital representatives commended the timely assistance, saying that community partnerships are vital to upgrade patient care standards.
NRH Medical Superintendent Dr. Titus Nasi expressed deep gratitude to the association and emphasised that the new wheelchairs will directly ease the challenges faced by patients with limited mobility.
“The 24 wheelchairs will help support patients who have difficulty walking or moving independently, making it easier for them to access hospital services and move safely within the hospital.
“Such support plays an important role in improving patient comfort, dignity, and accessibility within the hospital,” Nasi said.
SIRSEA Vice President Bruno Lee Joel, explained that this initiative is the group’s first-ever charitable contribution since being established in 2025.
Joel said the association comprises of Solomon Islands seasonal workers employed by three major New Zealand firms: Teamwork HB Ltd, Gourmet Blue Berries, and Turners and Growers Global Ltd.
“Despite working abroad, members remain deeply committed to supporting the health and well-being of their people back home,” Mr Joel said.
The MHMS welcomed the partnership, saying that continued collaboration between health institutions and community stakeholders remains key to strengthening national healthcare delivery.
Photo credit: MHMS
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作者:托尼·伊罗加
国家转诊医院(NRH)在所罗门群岛认可季节性雇主协会(SIRSEA)来自新西兰海斯廷斯的慷慨捐赠下,获得了轮椅服务的重大提升,共24辆轮椅。
卫生和医疗服务部(MHMS)在一份声明中表示,交接仪式于本周早些时候举行,标志着季节性工人协会的一个自豪里程碑。
在MHMS的代表发言时,医院代表赞扬了这一及时的援助,称社区合作伙伴关系对提升患者护理标准至关重要。
NRH医疗主任蒂图斯·纳西医生对协会表示深深的感谢,并强调新的轮椅将直接缓解行动不便患者所面临的挑战。
“这24辆轮椅将帮助那些行走或独立移动困难的患者,使他们更容易获得医院服务,并在医院内安全移动。
“这样的支持在改善患者的舒适度、尊严和医院内的可及性方面发挥着重要作用,”纳西说。
SIRSEA副主席布鲁诺·李·乔尔解释说,这一倡议是该组织自2025年成立以来的首次慈善捐赠。
乔尔表示,该协会由三家主要新西兰公司雇佣的所罗门群岛季节性工人组成:Teamwork HB Ltd、Gourmet Blue Berries和Turners and Growers Global Ltd。
“尽管在国外工作,成员们仍然深切关注支持家乡人民的健康和福祉,”乔尔先生说。
MHMS欢迎这一合作伙伴关系,表示卫生机构与社区利益相关者之间的持续合作仍然是加强国家医疗服务的关键。
照片来源:MHMS
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Helma Sikekolo delivered a healthy baby boy weighing 3.2 kilograms at 12:40am on 8 October at the new Naha Birthing Centre, the first birth there since the centre officially opened.
BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Careless attitudes and the continued disregard for new developments in Auki, Malaita Province, remain a concern among members of the public, despite awareness campaigns that aim to keep the town clean.
As the province prepares for its Second Appointed Day celebrations next month, a clean-up campaign was launched on Monday this week.
Community awareness activities have also been carried out by health officials and provincial security personnel to encourage residents to maintain cleanliness throughout the town.
However, Frank Samo, Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator has expressed frustration after reportedly seeing people spitting betel-nut residue onto newly tar-sealed roads in Auki this morning.
He said the problem is particularly noticeable at bus stops and other public areas where people gather while waiting for transport.
“Some people continue to have bad attitudes and behaviours. They spit betel-nut residue all over the town.
“But this morning was disgusting when I saw some just spitting freely without any concern,” he said.
The coordinator urges the people of Malaita Province to take responsibility in maintaining cleanliness and protecting new developments in Auki and other urban centres across the province.
“Please, my good people, we must try to be responsible for our town and dispose of our rubbish properly to keep our town clean.
“We might think that we are smart in other things, but at least we should take care and be responsible in some ways to make our town clean,” he said.
Similar concerns have been raised by other members of the public who want to see Auki remain clean, attractive and welcoming, particularly as the province prepares for its upcoming Second Appointed Day celebrations.
Residents are being encouraged to work together to maintain the town’s cleanliness and respect the developments intended to improve Auki for everyone.
Photo credit: Frank Samo
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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
A COUPLE has been arrested by Gizo Police in connection with the alleged rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Western Province.
The victim, who was the biological sister of the female suspect, was allegedly living with her sister and brother-in-law when the incident occurred in 2024.
According to reports, the female suspect allegedly played a role in the rape by forcing and restraining her younger sister and removing her clothes to allow her husband to sexually assault the victim.
It was alleged that the victim reportedly sustained severe internal injuries to her private parts and was admitted to Gizo Hospital before being referred to the National Referral Hospital in Honiara for further treatment.
Sadly, the girl died from her injuries this year.
The matter was subsequently reported to Gizo Police by family members and relatives after the victim’s death.
Police investigations later led to the arrest of the couple, who were allegedly attempting to evade justice by fleeing to Guadalcanal Province.
Staff-in-charge of the Gizo Provincial Crime Investigation Division, Inspector Leonard Rokoto, confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects were apprehended last week at Lambi in Guadalcanal Province.
He said the suspects were brought back to Gizo to face further investigations.
Rokoto said charges were laid against the suspects with assistance from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in Gizo.
He said the male suspect has been charged with persistent rape and murder, while the female suspect faces charges of compelling rape and murder.
Rokoto said both suspects appeared before the Western District Magistrates’ Court this week and were remanded at Gizo Correctional Facility.
He said the operation was coordinated by the Gizo Police Crime Investigation Division, with support from the Head of Department, Provincial Police Commander, Operations, and police officers in Honiara.
Rokoto described the arrests as a significant achievement for Gizo Police and a demonstration of the commitment of officers carrying out their duties.
He explained that the case was being handled in Western Province because the suspects were from the province and should be dealt with by Gizo Police.
Rokoto said handling the case locally will also help strengthen confidence and trust between police and communities.
He condemned the alleged crime and warned that police will take cases involving serious sexual offences and violence against children seriously.
The case is now before the court.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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BY JOY OFASIA
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is urging women across Solomon Islands to come forward for breast cancer screening. Acting Permanent Secretary of Health, Dr Gregory Jilini, said breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Solomon Islands, with about 128 women diagnosed and 47 deaths recorded each year.
Speaking during the launch of a breast cancer awareness campaign at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), Dr Jilini said early detection was critical because breast cancer is more treatable when identified at an early stage. He said the number of new breast cancer patients requiring chemotherapy at NRH increased from 39 in 2019 to 99 in 2022, highlighting the growing need for awareness and early screening. Despite the availability of mammography equipment and trained radiographers, screening participation remains low.
Acting Permanent Secretary of Health, Dr Gregory Jilini deliveing his remarks at the campaign launch event.
Dr Jilini revealed that NRH conducted only 190 mammograms between January and June 2026, averaging about 32 screenings a month in a country with a population of more than 700,000. He said many women had never undergone mammogram screening, while fear, stigma, cost and the reluctance to attend appointments alone were among the barriers preventing women from accessing the service. “When screening is routine, as in Australia, more than nine in 10 women with breast cancer survive five years.
Early detection is the difference,” he said. Dr Jilini said the campaign aims to encourage more women to get screened, raise awareness and promote community support for early detection. He called on families, churches and employers to encourage women to make time for screening, adding that women could also support one another by attending appointments together. “Don’t wait for symptoms, bring a sister, bring a friend and every woman in a pink shirt becomes an advocate,” he said.
The campaign is locally led, with mammograms conducted during the initiative being counted and results scheduled to be shared on World Radiology Day on November 8. Dr Jilini said the campaign could be repeated every October if successful, with the approach potentially extended to other health concerns, including cervical cancer, diabetes and hypertension.
He also urged women who have breast lumps or other concerns not to wait for the campaign but to seek medical attention immediately. “We have the machine, the skills and a team ready to welcome you. What we need now is you. Get screened and bring a sister,” he said.
BY TONY IROGA
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), with support from the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership for Health (SIAPH), officially launched Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 yesterday at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
A statement from the Ministry of Health yesterday said opening the month-long campaign, Acting Health Permanent Secretary Dr Gregory Jilini said breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women in Solomon Islands, with approximately 128 women diagnosed each year and around 47 losing their lives to the disease.
Dr. Jilini urges women to prioritise their health through early detection and timely medical care.
“Breast and cervical cancers together account for nearly half of all female cancers in the country, noting a worrying surge in new patients requiring chemotherapy at NRH, rising from 39 in 2019 to 99 in 2022,” Jilini highlighted.
He said many women seek help only at advanced stages due to fear, stigma, financial pressures, or prioritising family needs over their own well-being.
“Your health matters. Seeking help early is an act of courage and strength,” Jilini said, reminding the public that successful treatment is far more likely when abnormalities are caught early.
“Despite having mammography equipment and trained specialists at NRH, screening rates remain low, with only 190 mammograms conducted between January and June 2026,” he said.
“This year’s message is simple: Get screened. Get your pink ribbon shirt,” Dr Jilini urged, calling on families, employers, and communities to support women to access timely care and turn awareness into life-saving action.
Photo credit: MHMS
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BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
A 52-year-old retired nurse is helping the local economy in Malaita Province by running his family’s old coconut farm, showing both the big successes and the daily challenges faced by local rural farmers in the country.
Rueben Laufilu retired as a nurse from the Ministry of Health and became a full-time copra farmer in year 2010. This year his business received a huge boost by CEMA under the authority’s Farmers First initiative.
He now runs a large coconut plantation in Kware, located on the border of West Kwara’ae, where he keeps an old family tradition alive by planting new coconut trees to replace the old ones on the land passed down from his grandfather and father.
Even though his farm is doing well, Mr Laufilu confirmed that rural farmers face big problems, especially a severe lack of building materials and basic tools needed to build proper copra dryers.
The lack of proper drying tools directly hurts the processing work and makes it hard to get high-quality copra ready for the market before export.
However, his business recently received a big boost from the Commodities Export MarketingAuthority (CEMA), which gave out free, high-quality copra bags to growers under its Farmers FirstInitiative.
Laufilu noted that this helpful packaging support marks a big improvement from private buyers who in the past made independent farmers pay for all their bags.
To ensure the long-term survival of the local sector, Laufilu asked the national government to properly fund CEMA’s offices, especially its main purchasing station in Auki.
Steady government funding, he said, would allow the authority to keep supporting farmers and hopefully raise the buying price of copra in the future.
[Photo: Rueben Laufilu 52, a retired nurse now a fulltime coconut farmer. Photo supplied.]
Parliament is seeking public submissions for an inquiry into Caesarean sections, commonly known as C-sections, at the National Referral Hospital (NRH). A C-section is an operation to deliver a baby through a cut in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. It may be planned or carried out as an emergency when complications make it necessary to [...]
The post Parliament seeks public submissions on C-section services at referral hospital appeared first on Tavuli News (Solomon Islands) .
BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
Far away in the southern Solomon Islands lies Bellona, a beautiful island surrounded by bright sandy beaches and a rich cultural heritage.
But behind the beauty is a community facing a serious challenge – access to basic health services.
At Nuku Clinic in West Bellona, one nurse is doing his best to care for the island’s people despite limited space, shortages of medicines, poor facilities and the difficulty of travelling between Bellona and Honiara.
RN Nurse, Tamua Mau’eha, at the Nuku Clinic. Photos credit – Douglas Vahia.
For Tamua Mau’eha, 46, a registered nurse at Nuku Clinic, serving the people of Bellona is both a responsibility and a daily challenge.
Mr Mau’eha is from Tangakitonga village in West Bellona and has worked at the clinic for about three years.
Nuku Clinic is classified as a Rural Health Clinic, which means its services and facilities are limited compared with larger health facilities elsewhere.
But for Bellona, the clinic is extremely important.
It is the only medical facility serving the island.
‘The distance is a big challenge’
For nurse Mau’eha, geography is one of the biggest problems.
Bellona is far from Honiara, where medicines and other medical supplies come from.
When the clinic runs short of drugs or needs advice from health authorities, communication with Honiara can be difficult.
“The geographical location is a big challenge because we are far from Honiara, where the suppliers of medicines are,” Mau’eha said.
Transportation is another major concern.
“Transportation is also a major challenge I face here. Medical services transportation is very important,” he said.
For the nurse, being the only staff member at the clinic also creates a heavy workload.
Everything has to be done by one person.
“It is tiring. Everything has to be done by myself. It is a big workload,” he said.
A clinic without enough space
The problems do not end with staffing and medicine.
The clinic itself is too small.
Inside Nuku Clinic Sink. Photo credit: Douglas Vahia.
Mau’eha said there is not enough space to properly accommodate patients, while storage facilities are also lacking.
There is no proper bed or dedicated space for patients who need to be admitted.
There is also no proper facility for childbirth.
In some cases, deliveries have to take place at the homes of pregnant women.
“Here we used to go to the respective house for childbirth,” he said.
Many pregnant women instead travel to Honiara for delivery, but that comes at a cost.
For families already living in a remote island community, travelling to town for medical care can be expensive and difficult.
Nuku Clinic building. Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
The clinic also lacks proper sanitation.
There is no proper toilet, no reliable water facility and no proper dumping site.
Mau’eha also raised concerns about community support and the lack of adequate staff accommodation.
There is only one staff house, and it is old.
He said he has already raised the challenges with the Member of Provincial Assembly, who is also the Deputy Premier, and hopes improvements will come.
A clinic serving the whole island
Ramsey Sokaika Puia, the Nuku Clinic caretaker. Photo credit: Douglas Vahia.
Ramsey Sokaika Puia, 47, from Nuku’Angoha village in West Bellona, is the caretaker of the clinic.
He knows the history of the facility.
According to Mr Puia, the Nuku Clinic was built by the European Economic Community after the devastating cyclone that struck Rennell and Bellona Province in 1999.
Since then, he said, little improvement has been made to the building.
Yet the clinic continues to serve the entire island.
Puia said the clinic provides medical services to more than 2,000 people across four wards.
Inside the clinic, space not enough. Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
That makes Nuku Clinic more than just a small rural facility.
For the people of Bellona, it is their main place to seek medical help.
Puia and his family have tried to improve the condition of the clinic and its staff accommodation.
But much of the responsibility has fallen on community members.
From a drinking place to a protected clinic
In the past, the clinic area and old staff house were also used by youths as a place to drink and consume alcohol and socialise.
The area was vulnerable to vandalism.
Puia and his brothers decided something had to be done.
They applied for assistance through an Australia partnership programme and managed to fence the clinic compound.
He said the support helped secure the facility.
Puia also acknowledged the contribution of his brother, Smith Kaitu, saying that without his help they would not have been able to secure the clinic.
A call for action
For the people of Bellona, Nuku Clinic remains an important part of island life.
But the challenges facing the clinic are difficult to ignore.
An ageing building, limited space, medicine shortages, transport problems, poor sanitation and inadequate staff accommodation all affect the ability of health workers to provide services.
Old Nuku Clinic Staff house. Photo credit: Douglas Vahia
And with more than 2,000 people depending on the clinic, the need for improvement is urgent.
Puia is calling on the responsible authorities to take action.
“As a caretaker and community member, I kindly call on the responsible authorities to take this seriously and develop and improve our clinic for our people and generations to come,” he said.
Bellona may be far from Honiara, but its people should not have to feel far from basic healthcare.
For the nurse working alone, the caretaker protecting the facility and the thousands of people depending on it, Nuku Clinic is more than a building.
It is the island’s lifeline.
And its future matters to everyone who calls Bellona home.
*Reporting for this story was supported by Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS).