AGP Executive Report

Antimicrobial Resistance: WHO released a practical manual for Western Pacific health workers to strengthen clinical diagnostic stewardship, aiming to improve diagnosis, reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use, and better track AMR. Child Health & Hospital Care: Acting PM Francis Sade visited the National Referral Hospital Children’s Ward, meeting patients and staff and distributing comfort gifts as the GREAT Coalition pushes stronger public health delivery. Clean Water & School WASH: UNICEF reported WASH upgrades in 26 schools (Central Islands) and 39 schools (Guadalcanal), reaching over 12,000 students and teachers, while noting many schools still lack basic sanitation, water, or hygiene services. Nutrition & Community Food Security: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara communities to boost household nutrition and small-scale income from surplus produce. Health Through Sport: Hook in4Health brought hockey to North East Guadalcanal schools and communities, using sport to support healthy living, learning, and leadership. Workforce & Access to Care: A US consultant visited Malaita for a TrigaCash consultation at Kilu’ufi Hospital, focusing on how people heard about the initiative and where registration gaps remain. Regional Health Pressure: Pacific leaders at the Women Leaders Meeting warned that rising fuel prices, supply chain strain, conflict, and climate impacts are stressing essential services, including health.

Child Health & Welfare: Acting Prime Minister Francis Sade visited the National Referral Hospital Children’s Ward, meeting young patients and staff and stressing the GREAT Coalition’s push to improve public health delivery for vulnerable children. Clean Water & Sanitation: UNICEF’s WASH work is improving safe water and sanitation in North Guadalcanal and upgrading school facilities across Central Islands and Guadalcanal, though many schools still lack basic hygiene and sanitation. Nutrition & Food Security: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to boost household nutrition and small-scale income from surplus produce. Health System Support: A JICA physiotherapy volunteer began a two-year attachment with SINIS to strengthen sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, and athlete welfare. Public Health Risks in the Region: A Pacific health warning links rising illicit drug activity to possible spillover of HIV and tuberculosis risks, including signs of meth traces in wastewater in nearby countries. Food Safety for Fisheries: EU-backed training in Suva targets new EU freezer-vessel requirements, aiming to reduce unsafe fish freezing that can lead to histamine poisoning. Health-Related Policy & Costs: A minimum wage review is underway, with transport, education and nutrition costs cited as rising pressures for households.

Vaccine Access: Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine donations to Pacific nations topped 1 million doses, with 63,000 going to the Solomon Islands as COVAX covers only about a fifth of needed doses. Public Health Leadership: Acting PM Francis Sade visited the National Referral Hospital Children’s Ward, stressing the GREAT Coalition’s focus on better health services for vulnerable children. Clean Water & WASH: UNICEF and partners highlighted progress in North Guadalcanal and Central Islands/Guadalcanal schools, but warned many schools still lack basic sanitation, hygiene, and safe water—fueling illness and absenteeism. Nutrition & Food Security: KGA and Solomon Tobacco distributed 35,000+ vegetable seedlings in Honiara to boost household nutrition and small-scale income. Health Systems & Care: A US consultant held a TrigaCash consultation in Malaita, including discussions at Kilu’ufi Hospital, to improve how the initiative reaches people. Work & Living Costs: The national minimum wage review is underway, with surveys planned in Honiara and analysis to follow. Health Risks from Waste: UNICEF also linked open defecation and poor waste management to diarrhoea risk and even tourism decline.

WASH and school health: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 26 Central Islands schools and 39 Guadalcanal schools, reaching over 12,000 students and teachers, but says 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation and only 36% have basic water—hurting safety and learning, including absenteeism. Clean water in communities: A North Guadalcanal WASH project is improving safe water and sanitation in places like Popoloi and Mbebe, aiming to cut disease risks linked to contaminated sources and poor sanitation. Children’s care spotlight: Acting PM Francis Sade visited the Children’s Ward at the National Referral Hospital, stressing the GREAT Coalition’s focus on vulnerable children and improving public health service delivery. Honiara minimum wage review: Labour Division surveys across provinces, including Honiara, will feed into analysis by the National Statistics Office and the ILO to set a new minimum wage amid rising living costs. EU seafood safety rules: Fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-ship requirements that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, with tighter freezing standards to prevent histamine-related scombroid poisoning. HIV and TB warning signs: A Pacific drugs and health warning notes low but rising HIV and tuberculosis signals in Solomon Islands, linked to meth traces and regional drug spread. Sports rehab support: SINIS welcomes a JICA physiotherapy volunteer to strengthen athlete injury prevention and rehabilitation. Regional health and gender pressures: Pacific leaders warn that conflict-driven cost rises are straining essential services, including health, hitting women and vulnerable groups hardest.

Minimum Wage Review: The Labour Division is surveying all provinces, including Honiara this month, to set a new minimum wage as living costs rise; analysis will be done with the National Statistics Office and the ILO. Public Health & WASH: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 26 Central Islands schools and 39 Guadalcanal schools, reaching 12,000+ students, but says 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation and many lack basic water and hygiene. Sanitation Crisis: UNICEF also warns open defecation and poor waste management are driving diarrhoea outbreaks and keeping children—especially girls during menstruation—out of school. Health Sector Leadership: Acting PM Francis Sade visited the National Referral Hospital Children’s Ward and Accident & Emergency, stressing support for vulnerable children under the GREAT Coalition. Health Workforce Support: Australian GP anaesthetists completed an outreach mission to strengthen anaesthesia training and peri-operative care at Gizo Hospital. Food Safety & Disease Prevention: EU-backed training in Suva targets new freezer-vessel rules to reduce unsafe fish freezing that can lead to histamine poisoning. Community Water Access: A North Guadalcanal WASH project is improving safe water and sanitation, reducing disease risks from contaminated sources.

Minimum Wage Review: Solomon Islands’ Labour Division is surveying all provinces to update the national minimum wage, with Honiara fieldwork scheduled for this month; data will be analysed with the National Statistics Office and the ILO before recommendations go to the Labour Advisory Board. WASH in Schools: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 26 schools (Central Islands) and 39 schools (Guadalcanal), reaching over 12,000 students, but says 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation and only 36% have basic water—hurting learning and health. Sanitation and Health Risks: UNICEF also highlights ongoing open defecation and poor waste management driving diarrhoea outbreaks, absenteeism, and keeping girls away during menstruation. Clean Water Gains (North Guadalcanal): A UNICEF/KOICA WASH project is improving safe water and sanitation in communities like Popoloi and Mbebe, reducing contamination risks during heavy rains. Health Sector Visit: Acting PM Francis Sade visited the NRH Children’s Ward, stressing the GREAT Coalition’s focus on vulnerable children and better public health delivery. Athlete Care Support: SINIS welcomed a JICA physiotherapy volunteer to strengthen injury prevention and rehabilitation for national athletes. Food Safety for Fisheries: EU-backed training in Suva targets new freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, with direct links to food safety and scombroid poisoning prevention.

Clean Water & Sanitation: UNICEF’s WASH work in North Guadalcanal is improving safe water and sanitation in communities like Popoloi and Mbebe, helping reduce disease risks. School WASH Gaps: UNICEF also reports that many Solomon Islands schools still lack basic sanitation and hygiene, contributing to illness, absenteeism and girls missing school during menstruation. Public Health at NRH: Acting PM Francis Sade visited the National Referral Hospital Children’s Ward, stressing the GREAT Coalition’s focus on better care for vulnerable children. Health Capacity Support: Australian GP anaesthetists completed an outreach mission to strengthen anaesthesia training and peri-operative care at Gizo Hospital. Food Safety & Health Link: EU rules on freezer vessel temperatures are pushing Pacific fisheries authorities, including Solomon Islands, to tighten compliance to prevent histamine-related scombroid poisoning. Women & Health Costs: Pacific women leaders warned that rising fuel prices and conflict impacts are straining essential services, including health, especially for rural communities. Tourism Threat from Waste: UNICEF says open defecation and poor waste disposal are harming tourism by creating unsafe, unpleasant conditions for visitors.

WASH & School Health: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 26 schools (Central Islands) and 39 schools (Guadalcanal) reaching over 12,000 students and teachers, but warns sanitation gaps remain—about 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation, and limited water and hygiene services are linked to illness, absenteeism and poorer learning. Public Health & Sanitation: UNICEF/MASI WASH media coverage highlights how open defecation and poor waste management keep diarrhoea risks high, with unsafe toilets also affecting girls’ attendance during menstruation. Health Sector Focus: Acting PM Francis Sade visited the Children’s Ward at the National Referral Hospital, stressing the GREAT Coalition’s push to improve care for vulnerable children and support families. Community Water Access: A North Guadalcanal WASH project is improving safe water and sanitation in communities like Popoloi and Mbebe, reducing contamination risks that previously drove disease. Sports Medicine & Athlete Welfare: SINIS welcomed a JICA physiotherapy volunteer to strengthen injury prevention and rehabilitation support for national athletes. Food Safety & Disease Prevention (Fisheries): EU-backed training in Suva prepares Solomon Islands and other Pacific authorities for stricter EU freezer-vessel rules, aimed at preventing unsafe fish freezing that can lead to histamine poisoning.

Children’s Health & Public Service: Acting PM Francis Sade visited the National Referral Hospital’s Children’s Ward in Honiara, meeting patients, families and staff and stressing the GREAT Coalition’s focus on improving critical health services, including a stop at Accident and Emergency. School WASH & Disease Risk: UNICEF reports WASH upgrades in 26 Central Islands and 39 Guadalcanal schools reached over 12,000 students, but warns 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation and only 17% have basic hygiene—fueling illness, absenteeism and poorer learning. Sanitation, Tourism & Safety: UNICEF also says open defecation and poor waste disposal are harming tourism growth by creating unsafe, unpleasant conditions and damaging natural attractions. EU Food Safety & Seafood Health: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer-vessel rules that tighten cold-chain requirements to prevent histamine poisoning (scombroid) and protect market access. Regional Health Through Partnerships: Australian GP anaesthetists completed an outreach mission to strengthen anaesthesia support and peri-operative training at Gizo Hospital, aiming to build local capacity for safer care. Health in Policy Talks: Solomon Islands’ new PM Matthew Wale is set to negotiate a strategic treaty with Australia and review China’s security pact—moves that could shape future development support, including health services. Disaster Preparedness: A major earthquake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across parts of Asia, with evacuation orders issued—an indirect reminder for Pacific health and emergency readiness.

School WASH Upgrades: UNICEF says WASH infrastructure upgrades in 26 Central Islands schools and 39 Guadalcanal schools have reached over 12,000 students, but it warns 64% of schools still lack basic sanitation and only 17% have basic hygiene services—fueling illness and absenteeism. Food Safety for Exports: Pacific fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer vessel rules under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, aimed at preventing unsafe freezing that can lead to histamine and scombroid poisoning; the rules could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels. Sanitation and Tourism Risk: UNICEF also links poor sanitation and waste disposal to weaker tourism—open defecation and rubbish near coasts and attractions can deter visitors and damage lagoons and reefs. Coconut Health and Productivity: KIK’s R&D review highlights ongoing work on aging palms, low copra yields, and invasive pests/diseases, including mother palm selection and hybridisation plans. Sports Rehab Support: SINIS welcomes a JICA physiotherapy volunteer to strengthen athlete rehabilitation and injury prevention. Health-Linked Security Talks: New PM Matthew Wale heads to Canberra to negotiate a strategic treaty with Australia and review the China security pact—decisions that could shape future health and development support.

Pacific Health Diplomacy: Australia’s Order of Australia honours include Melbourne sonographer Peter Coombs and Pacific diplomat Ewen McDonald, highlighting education and health links as ties with the region deepen. Sports Medicine & Athlete Care: JICA physiotherapy volunteer Yuki Nishikawa has started a two-year attachment at SINIS to strengthen physiotherapy, injury prevention and rehabilitation for national athletes. Surgical Capacity in Gizo: Australian GP anaesthetists completed an outreach mission to Gizo Hospital to train local staff and build anaesthesia capability for safer peri-operative care. Sanitation & Disease Risk: UNICEF WASH reporting says open defecation and poor hygiene are driving diarrhoea outbreaks, disrupting schooling, and leaving girls without safe toilets during menstruation. Tourism at Risk from Waste: The same UNICEF WASH workshop warns inadequate sanitation and rubbish disposal are harming visitor experience and could slow tourism growth. World Environment Day Mobilisation: Solomon Islands plans community clean-ups and tree planting around World Environment Day 2026, with climate action as the theme. EU Food Safety for Tuna Exports: Fisheries officials in Suva trained on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, with colder-freezing standards tied to preventing histamine-related scombroid poisoning. Women Leaders Call for Action: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru urged practical action on women’s health as fuel costs and conflict strain essential services, including health. Prime Minister Talks With Australia: New PM Matthew Wale heads to Canberra to negotiate a strategic treaty with Australia and review the China security pact—an important backdrop for health and development cooperation. Tobacco Control (Regional): Nauru introduced a one-day annual tobacco sale and import ban to curb non-communicable diseases, with Solomon Islands projected to rise in smoking prevalence by 2030. Health Cooperation Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ foreign affairs minister met the Philippines ambassador, noting an MOU on health cooperation is nearing final internal review. Mental Health Court Update: A man found “of unsound mind” in an attempted murder case remains at Rove Correctional Centre awaiting directions for mental detention remand.

JICA & SINIS Athlete Care: The National Sports Council says Japanese physiotherapy volunteer Yuki Nishikawa has arrived for a two-year JICA placement at SINIS, supporting assessment, rehabilitation, injury prevention and education for national athletes. Sanitation & Health in Schools: UNICEF WASH reporting highlights how open defecation and poor hygiene are driving diarrhoea outbreaks, keeping children and teachers away from school, and leaving girls without safe toilets during menstruation. Tourism at Risk from Waste: The same UNICEF WASH workshop warns inadequate sanitation and rubbish disposal are harming visitor experience and could damage key attractions like lagoons and reefs. World Environment Day in Honiara: Solomon Islands plans clean-ups, tree planting and radio talk-backs around June 5, linking climate action with healthier communities and oceans. EU Seafood Rules for Solomon Vessels: Fisheries officials in Suva trained on EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1449, which tightens freezing requirements and could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels exporting to the bloc. Women Leaders Call for Action: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru urged practical steps on women’s health and essential services as fuel and supply costs rise.

Sanitation & child health: UNICEF WASH reporting highlights how open defecation and unsafe hygiene are driving diarrhoea outbreaks, keeping children and teachers away from school, and worsening stunting and other health problems. Tourism risk: The same sanitation and waste gaps are also hurting Solomon Islands tourism—bad odours, dirty public areas, and rubbish damaging lagoons and reefs are turning visitors away. Food safety for fisheries: In Suva, Solomon Islands joined Fiji, Kiribati and Tuvalu for training on new EU freezer-vessel rules that could affect 97% of EU-listed Pacific vessels, after EU checks found some tuna not consistently frozen to required temperatures. Women leaders & health pressures: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, Solomon Islands’ Minister John Maneniaru warned that rising fuel costs, supply disruptions, conflict impacts and climate stress are straining essential services, including health, with women and vulnerable groups hit hardest. Sports rehab support: SINIS welcomed a JICA physiotherapy volunteer to strengthen athlete rehabilitation and injury prevention. Health system training in Gizo: Australian GP anaesthetists completed an outreach mission to build anaesthesia capacity at Gizo Hospital through on-site mentoring and skills transfer. Environment week actions: Solomon Islands plans World Environment Day events in Honiara and provinces, including clean-ups and tree planting, tied to climate action.

Sports & Health Support: SINIS welcomed a Japanese physiotherapy volunteer under the JICA programme to strengthen athlete rehabilitation, injury prevention and welfare through a two-year attachment. Public Health & Safety: Australia-based GP anaesthetists completed an outreach mission to Gizo Hospital to boost anaesthesia capability and train local staff for safer peri-operative care. Sanitation & Disease Risk: UNICEF WASH reporting highlights how open defecation and poor hygiene are driving diarrhoea outbreaks, keeping children and teachers away from school, and worsening health and wellbeing. Water, Waste & Tourism: The same UNICEF WASH workshop warns that inadequate sanitation and waste disposal are harming visitor experience and could slow Solomon Islands tourism growth. Food Safety for Exports: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained in Suva on new EU freezer vessel rules that tighten cold-chain requirements to prevent histamine-related scombroid poisoning. Gender, Costs & Health Services: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting, Solomon Islands’ Minister John Maneniaru said rising fuel prices, conflict impacts and climate pressures are straining essential services, including health, with women and vulnerable groups hit hardest. Environment Week Actions: Solomon Islands plans World Environment Day events in Honiara and provinces, including clean-ups and tree planting, with a focus on climate action. Health Cooperation Diplomacy: Solomon Islands’ foreign minister met the Philippines ambassador, noting an MoU on health cooperation is nearing final internal clearance. Tobacco Control (Regional): Nauru introduced a one-day annual tobacco sale and import ban to curb non-communicable diseases linked to tobacco use.

HIV & TB warning signs: A Lowy Institute expert says illicit drugs are starting to show up across the Pacific, including “narco-subs” washed up in the Solomon Islands, with small but rising signs of HIV and tuberculosis in communities—mirroring how Fiji looked before its HIV crisis. Maternal care boost: Australia-backed training at the National Referral Hospital strengthened labour monitoring and decision-making, using a fetal surveillance program to improve safety for mothers and newborns, with staff also linked to the Naha Birthing Centre and Guadalcanal services. Primary health care push in Malaita: MHMS and partners held a Provincial Health Summit in Auki to assess primary health care performance and agree practical improvements, bringing together provincial leaders, communities, faith groups, and NGOs. Sanitation still hurting health: UNICEF WASH reporting highlights ongoing open defecation and unsafe hygiene driving diarrhoea outbreaks, school absenteeism, and worse health for children—plus the knock-on effect on tourism. Food safety for tuna exports: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu trained on new EU freezer vessel rules that tighten cold-chain requirements to prevent histamine poisoning, affecting most EU-listed Pacific vessels. Women leaders call for action: Pacific Islands Forum women leaders, chaired by Solomon Islands’ John Maneniaru, warned rising fuel and conflict costs are hitting women’s health and essential services hardest. World Environment Day: Solomon Islands plans clean-ups, tree planting and radio events for June 5, tying local action to climate change. Australia-Solomons health ties: New PM Matthew Wale’s Canberra talks focus on security and development, with Australia a key partner for services including health.

EU Seafood Compliance: Fisheries officials from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu met in Suva for training on new EU freezer vessel rules (Delegated Regulation EU 2025/1449) that could affect about 97% of EU-listed Pacific freezer vessels, after EU auditors found some tuna not consistently frozen to the required -18°C in brine—raising risks of histamine (scombroid poisoning). Women, Health & Cost Pressures: At the Pacific Islands Forum Women Leaders Meeting in Suva, Solomon Islands Minister John Maneniaru warned that rising fuel prices, supply chain disruption, conflict impacts and climate stress are straining essential services, including health, with women, girls, youth and people with disabilities carrying the heaviest burden. Sanitation Crisis in Schools: UNICEF WASH reporting says open defecation and poor hygiene are driving diarrhoea outbreaks, keeping children and teachers away from school, and leaving girls without safe toilets during menstruation. Water, Health & Jobs Link: A World Bank Pacific Economic Update flags that shocks like fuel price rises and shipping disruptions threaten services, but also points to water as a foundation for jobs and growth for the region’s young populations. Maternity Care Training: Australia-supported specialist maternal health training at Solomon Islands’ National Referral Hospital focused on safer labour monitoring and decision-making, including fetal surveillance skills for clinicians and midwives. Environment Day Actions: Solomon Islands plans World Environment Day events starting June 5, including tree planting and community clean-ups in Honiara and provinces. Primary Health Care Push (Malaita): A Malaita Provincial Health Summit (18–22 May) brought together health leaders and communities to assess primary health care performance and agree practical improvement actions.