AGP Executive Report

Newborn care milestone: Solomon Islands has hit a regional target for Early Essential Newborn Care, with 84% of birth facilities (37 of 44) providing key lifesaving support in the first hours after birth, and 559 health workers coached on the approach. Malaria action in communities: A national Healthy Settings programme in Auki, Malaita is rolling out community-focused plans to tackle malaria and other health risks, with provinces including Malaita, Guadalcanal, Central Islands, Honiara City, Western and Choiseul. Health systems strengthening: Pacific Health Leaders wrapped up the 17th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Rarotonga, agreeing on priorities for resilient, equitable health systems—covering non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce, health data, climate resilience and health security. Heart surgery lifeline: Two children from Kiribati—9-month-old Amota and 5-year-old Ruata—received life-saving open-heart surgeries during a Gift of Life mission in Fiji and are now recovering with their families. Food security through nutrition: The FFA and SPC launched the “Tuna Bites” campaign for World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, spotlighting tuna as a key protein for Pacific diets, including a Solomon Islands culinary competition.

Newborn care milestone: Solomon Islands has reached a regional target for Early Essential Newborn Care (EENC), with 84% of birth facilities providing life-saving care in the first hours after birth, and 559 health workers coached on the approach, according to a WHO progress report. Malaria-focused community action: A national Healthy Settings programme is underway in Auki, Malaita, building provincial health leadership and pushing community-based plans to tackle malaria and other local health drivers through schools, churches and home-level action. Healthy Settings rollout for malaria provinces: A separate five-day Healthy Settings and advocacy programme is targeting provinces with significant malaria problems, aiming to strengthen community platforms and integration of health initiatives beyond clinic treatment. Health system strengthening in the region: Pacific Heads of Health met in Rarotonga to agree recommendations on resilient health systems, including work on non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce development, health data and climate resilience. Biosecurity strategy next step: Solomon Islands is preparing to launch its National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036, warning that invasive pests and diseases could threaten agriculture, biodiversity, food security and livelihoods. Rural health power support: UNICEF has handed over solar electrification to seven rural health facilities, aiming to improve access to reliable energy for care delivery.

Newborn care: Solomon Islands has hit a regional target for Early Essential Newborn Care, with over 80% of birth facilities providing life-saving support in the first hours after birth, and WHO reporting EENC introduced in 84% of facilities across the Western Pacific. Malaria push in communities: A national Healthy Settings and advocacy programme is underway in Auki, Malaita, targeting provinces with significant malaria problems and aiming to strengthen community-led action through schools, churches and local health leadership. Health system strengthening: Pacific Health leaders wrapped up the 17th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Rarotonga, focusing on resilient, equitable health systems for a digital age, including work on NCDs, reproductive health, workforce, health data and climate resilience. Solar for rural health: UNICEF handed over solar electrification to seven rural health facilities, supporting more reliable services where power access is a challenge. Food security & health link: The FFA and SPC launched the “Tuna Bites” campaign for World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, using a Solomon Islands culinary competition to highlight tuna as a key protein source for Pacific diets and livelihoods.

Newborn care: Solomon Islands has hit a regional target for Early Essential Newborn Care, with 84% of birth facilities (37 of 44) providing life-saving support in the first hours after birth, and 75% of term babies getting uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for at least 90 minutes. Malaria action in communities: A national Healthy Settings programme is underway in Auki, Malaita, aiming to strengthen provincial health leadership and roll out community-focused plans to tackle malaria and other causes of illness through schools, churches and home-based root-cause action. Health system priorities: Pacific Health leaders wrapped up the 17th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Rarotonga, agreeing recommendations on resilient health systems, non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, workforce, health data and climate resilience. Biosecurity strategy: MALD and Biosecurity Solomon Islands are preparing to launch the National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 after a national validation workshop, warning that invasive pests and diseases could threaten agriculture, food security and livelihoods. Food security and nutrition culture: The FFA and SPC launched “Tuna Bites” for UN World Tuna Day and Pacific Tuna Month, featuring country tuna-dish competitions across Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations. Regional health context: The Pacific Islands Forum in Palau continues amid major-power tensions, with health and climate priorities still on the agenda.

Early newborn care: Solomon Islands has hit a regional target for Early Essential Newborn Care, with over 80% of birth facilities providing life-saving support in the first hours after birth, and WHO reporting 84% coverage by 2019 plus facility assessments showing strong skin-to-skin and breastfeeding practices. Malaria action in Malaita: A national Healthy Settings and advocacy push in Auki is targeting provinces with significant malaria problems, aiming to strengthen community-led plans through schools, churches and local health leadership. Rural health powered by solar: UNICEF and partners have handed over solar electrification to seven rural health facilities in Malaita, improving access to maternal and child health services, immunisation and emergency care. Biosecurity strategy 2026–2036: Biosecurity Solomon Islands is preparing to launch the National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 after a national validation workshop, focusing on protecting agriculture, environment and food security from invasive pests and diseases. Auki agriculture office progress: Construction of a new agriculture building in Auki has passed the halfway mark under World Bank-supported environmental and social safeguards, supporting stronger agricultural services. Diplomacy with health relevance: Switzerland offered support to help Solomon Islands re-establish a permanent mission in Geneva, highlighting access to global bodies including WHO.

Newborn Care Win: Solomon Islands has reached a regional target for Early Essential Newborn Care, with over 80% of birth facilities now providing life-saving support in the first hours after birth, and 559 health workers coached on the approach. Malaria Focus in Malaita: A national Healthy Settings and advocacy push in Auki is rolling out community-led plans to tackle malaria and other root causes, with Malaita and other provinces targeted through schools, churches and local health leadership. Solar for Rural Clinics: UNICEF and partners have installed solar electrification at seven rural health facilities in Malaita, improving maternal and child health services, immunisation and emergency care while boosting resilience during outages and severe weather. Health System Leadership: Pacific Health Leaders wrapped up a meeting in Rarotonga on modernising Healthy Islands, including work on reproductive health, non-communicable diseases, workforce, health data and climate resilience. Biosecurity Strategy Ahead: MALD and Biosecurity Solomon Islands are preparing to launch the National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036, aiming to protect agriculture, food security and livelihoods from invasive pests and diseases. Auki Agriculture Office Progress: Construction of a new agriculture office in Auki is past the halfway mark, supporting stronger agricultural services that can indirectly support nutrition and health outcomes.

Newborn Care: Solomon Islands has hit a regional target for Early Essential Newborn Care, with over 80% of birth facilities providing life-saving support in the first hours after birth, and WHO reporting 84% coverage by 2019 plus coaching for 559 health workers. Malaria & Community Health: A national Healthy Settings programme is underway in Auki, Malaita, aiming to strengthen provincial health leadership and push malaria-focused action through schools, churches and communities—not just clinics. Malaria Rollout Focus: The same Healthy Settings effort is targeting malaria-affected provinces including Malaita, Guadalcanal, Central Islands, Honiara City, Western and Choiseul. Rural Health Power: UNICEF and partners have installed solar electrification for seven rural health facilities in Malaita, improving care for mothers and children, immunisation and emergency services. Auki Agriculture Office: Construction of the new SBD17.9m Agriculture building in Auki has passed the halfway point and is progressing under environmental and social safeguards. RSIPF Health Checks: The China Medical Team provided free screening and medicines to RSIPF officers in Honiara, including checks for high blood pressure and blood sugar.

Solar for rural health in Malaita: UNICEF and partners have handed over solar electrification to seven rural primary healthcare facilities in Malaita, boosting maternal and child health, immunisation, emergency care, and resilience during power disruptions. Malaria action through “Healthy Settings”: A national Healthy Settings programme is underway in Auki, Malaita, targeting provinces with significant malaria problems and pushing community-led plans via schools, churches and local leadership—not just clinic-based treatment. Biosecurity strategy push: MALD and Biosecurity Solomon Islands are preparing to launch the National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 after a national validation workshop, warning that invasive pests and diseases threaten agriculture, food security and livelihoods. Police health support: China Medical Team outreach provided free checks and medicines to RSIPF officers in Honiara, screening for high blood pressure, high blood sugar and other common conditions. Auki agriculture office progress: Construction of a new SBD17.9m agriculture office building in Auki has reached the mid-way point, with roofing next as the 12-month phase continues. Biosecurity/health links at PIF: Health-focused regional discussions at the Pacific Heads of Health meeting in Rarotonga highlighted resilient health systems, NCDs, reproductive health, workforce and health data for a digital age.

Rural Health & Energy: UNICEF has handed over solar electrification to seven rural primary health facilities in Malaita, boosting maternal and child health, immunisation, emergency care and resilience during outages. Malaria Focus: A national Healthy Settings programme is underway in Auki, Malaita, with plans to strengthen community-based action for malaria and other health challenges across targeted provinces. TB Prevention: A preventive treatment mission is strengthening TB prevention in Isabel Province, aiming to reduce transmission through proactive care. Police Health Support: The China Medical Team provided free checks and medicines to RSIPF officers in Honiara, screening for high blood pressure, high blood sugar and other common conditions. Biosecurity Strategy: MALD and Biosecurity Solomon Islands are preparing to launch the National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036, warning that invasive pests and diseases could threaten agriculture, food security and livelihoods. Health & Governance Context: Solomon Islands’ prime minister criticised Washington for “lecturing” Pacific leaders after a US pledge for the region, as regional diplomacy continues to shape funding and priorities.

Biosecurity Planning: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, via Biosecurity Solomon Islands, is set to launch the Solomon Islands National Biosecurity Strategy 2026–2036 next week after a Honiara validation workshop, stressing biosecurity as a national investment to protect agriculture, forests, food security and livelihoods from invasive pests and diseases. Malaria-Focused Health Action: In Auki, Malaita, MHMS is running a national Healthy Settings programme targeting malaria-affected provinces, aiming to strengthen provincial health leadership and push community action through schools, churches and local planning—not just clinic treatment. Rural Health Powered by Solar: UNICEF has handed over solar electrification to seven rural health facilities in Malaita, supporting maternal and child health, immunisation and emergency care while improving resilience during power disruptions. Police Health Support: The China Medical Team provided free medical checks and medicines to RSIPF officers in Honiara, screening for high blood pressure, high blood sugar and other common conditions. Diplomacy with Health in Mind: Switzerland offered support to help Solomon Islands re-establish a permanent mission in Geneva, highlighting access to global bodies including the WHO for priorities like health and sustainable development.

Pacific Islands Forum turmoil: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau has opened with major absences, including Solomon Islands’ PM Matthew Wale, after a no-confidence motion forced him to return home. Diplomatic pressure: China is warning of “consequences” over Taiwan’s presence at the summit, while New Zealand’s foreign minister has called the pattern of pullouts “highly suspicious.” Health services boost (Malaita): UNICEF has handed over solar electrification to seven rural health facilities in Malaita, aiming to strengthen maternal and child health, immunisation, emergency care, and resilience during power disruptions. Police health support: China Medical Team provided free checks and medicines to RSIPF officers in Honiara, screening for high blood pressure, high blood sugar and other common conditions. Governance & mining concerns: Transparency Solomon Islands is urging stronger consultation and transparency in the Mineral Resources Bill 2025, including calls to remove a “constructive consent” clause. Diplomatic access: Switzerland offered financial and logistical support to help Solomon Islands reopen a permanent mission in Geneva, highlighting links to health, climate and human rights work.

Solar for health in Malaita: UNICEF has handed over solar electrification to seven rural primary healthcare facilities in Malaita, aiming to improve maternal and child health, immunisation, emergency care and service resilience during outages. Water safety alert: Solomon Water has temporarily shut down the Kongulai water source after heavy rain caused high turbidity, warning customers to boil water before drinking and noting possible low pressure or no water. Police health support: China Medical Team provided free checks and medicines to RSIPF officers in Honiara, screening for high blood pressure, high blood sugar and other common conditions. Regional diplomacy with health links: Switzerland offered support to help Solomon Islands reopen a permanent diplomatic mission in Geneva, a move that could strengthen access to global health and multilateral partners. PIF tensions spill over: China warned of “consequences” after Taiwan attended the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, as leaders’ absences and political pressure threaten regional unity.

Water Safety: Solomon Water has temporarily shut down the Kongulai water source after heavy rain caused high turbidity, warning customers to boil water before drinking and expect low or no water while quality is monitored. Rural Health Infrastructure: UNICEF handed over solar electrification systems worth nearly SBD$1.89 million to seven rural primary health facilities in Malaita, aiming to improve reliable power for care. Health & Nutrition Support: The SIART project is boosting women’s poultry production in Guadalcanal, with improved housing and more broiler birds expected to sell in coming weeks—supporting food supply and household income. Regional Health Context: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders are also set to tackle priorities that affect health, including climate resilience and transnational drug crime, amid heightened geopolitical tension and missing leaders. Political Disruption in SI: New Zealand’s Winston Peters condemned Solomon Islands cabinet ministers after a no-confidence motion forced PM Matthew Wale to leave Palau early, a reminder that governance instability can disrupt regional cooperation.

Rural health access: UNICEF has handed over solar electrification systems worth nearly SBD$1.89 million to seven rural primary healthcare facilities in Malaita, helping power services for thousands of people. Water safety: Solomon Water temporarily shut down the Kongulai water source after heavy rain caused high turbidity, warning customers to boil water before drinking and expect low or no water pressure. TB prevention push: A targeted TB prevention mission in Isabel screened 220 contacts, started preventive treatment for 33 people with latent TB, and detected three new TB cases for treatment. Health-linked infrastructure: China-funded Rural Sustainable Development Program delivered 400 solar street lights to communities in East Honiara, aiming to improve safety for men, women, girls and boys. Regional health context: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, leaders are tackling priorities including climate resilience and drug crime, while Solomon Islands’ absence and broader pullouts raise concerns for regional unity.

Water Safety: Solomon Water has shut down the Kongulai water source in Honiara after heavy rain caused high turbidity, warning customers to boil water before drinking until quality improves. Maternal & Primary Care: Australia-backed Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre in Honiara is set to begin services, adding a major new health facility for city residents. TB Prevention: A targeted TB prevention mission in Isabel screened 220 contacts, started preventive treatment for 33 people with latent TB, and detected 3 new TB cases for treatment. Nutrition & Livelihoods: SIART support is helping women’s poultry groups in Guadalcanal expand broiler production, with improved housing and plans to sell birds within weeks. Health Infrastructure & Safety: A $1.5m solar streetlight handover for East Honiara was framed by the Health Minister as improving safety for men, women, girls and boys. Regional Health Risks: Nepal’s flash floods are driving child health and safety concerns, with overcrowded shelters and disrupted access to clean water and medical care. Pacific Policy Context: Pacific Islands Forum talks in Palau are dominated by climate resilience and security, with Solomon Islands leadership absences adding uncertainty for regional coordination.

Newborn care upgrade: Honiara’s Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre has opened, with expanded primary services under one roof (outpatient care, dental, pharmacy, pathology, imaging, maternal and child health) and systems like nurse call, electronic queuing, and digital records—birthing services are set to start in September. Water safety alert: Solomon Water has shut down the Kongulai water source after heavy rain caused high turbidity; customers are advised to boil water and may face low or no pressure until quality improves. TB prevention push: A targeted TB prevention mission in Isabel screened 220 contacts, started preventive treatment for 33 people with latent TB, and detected three new TB cases for treatment. Sanitation training: RWASH supported community sanitation training in Malaita’s Ward 26, helping residents learn how to build proper facilities to reduce health risks. Climate-health link: A Solomon Islands climate risk update warns vaccine and medicine storage cooling needs will rise as extreme heat days increase, stressing the need to protect health services. Regional health policy backdrop: Pacific leaders meeting in Palau are expected to focus on climate resilience and other priorities that directly affect health, while Taiwan’s renewed participation highlights “smart healthcare” and related cooperation. Community livelihoods with health angles: SIART-backed women’s poultry projects in Guadalcanal are expanding broiler production, supporting nutrition and income for local communities.