AGP Executive Report

Health System Strengthening: WHO Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to strengthen the national health system, focusing on primary health care, continuity of care, health legislation and digital health, plus access to quality medicines and faster action on non-communicable diseases, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, maternal and child health, and immunisation. Diabetes Care Upgrade: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is scaling up frontline skills to prevent diabetic foot complications, coaching health workers on wound assessment, debridement and wound care to reduce hospital admissions and lower-limb amputations. Funding for Health Services: The Ministry of Health is seeking nearly $6.8m in supplementary funding through donor advance warrants, including Australia, the EU, UNICEF and the Fred Hollows Foundation, to cover health services grants and related work not included in the 2025 budget. Freshwater Security for Public Health: Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O Programme to protect freshwater resources and build climate resilience, linking water security to families, agriculture, public health, food security and renewable energy. Community Health Access via Transport: Small Malaita received SBD100,000 for boats and an engine to improve safer sea access to markets, health services and schools—supporting rural access to essential care.

Diabetic Foot Care Boost: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health is coaching frontline health workers to assess, debride and treat diabetic foot wounds earlier, aiming to cut hospital admissions and lower-limb amputations. Health Funding Oversight: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is seeking about $6.78m in supplementary donor funding for 2025 services, including support under the Solomon Islands–Australia Health Partnership. Essential Medicines Check: A Public Accounts Committee hearing says essential medical supplies are available at about 83%, with calls to push closer to 90% and improve control over donor-managed programmes. Climate Loss & Damage Policy: Consultations in Honiara are shaping Solomon Islands’ first National Loss and Damage Policy and Investment Roadmap, with the Pacific Community supporting work to turn climate impacts into priorities for action and finance. Budget for Development: Government earmarks $345.4m (45% of budget) for economic transformation, including rural development, tourism and fisheries investment, plus infrastructure and security spending. Freshwater Security Launch: The PacFresH2O Programme was launched to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience across Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Maritime Health & Security Assets: Australia is handing over new RSIPF Naiad boats to strengthen near-shore response for search and rescue, medical evacuations and law enforcement. Regional Fisheries Crackdown: FFA reports 16 vessels of interest and four apprehensions in Operation Island Chief 2026 targeting illegal fishing and maritime crime.

Health Funding & Supplies: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is seeking about $6.8m in supplementary donor funding for 2025 health services, nursing schools, and environmental health work, while a Public Accounts Committee hearing says essential medical supplies are available at around 83% (with calls to push closer to 90% and eventually near 100%). Diabetic Foot Care: The health ministry is scaling up frontline skills to detect and treat diabetic foot wounds earlier, aiming to cut hospital admissions and lower-limb amputations in the absence of podiatrists. Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands has launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience, with partners including GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Community Health Access: Australia’s RSIPF maritime upgrades (Naiad boats) and the Lofung border outpost plan both point to faster emergency response and better delivery of health services in remote areas. Budget Priorities: Government budget allocations highlight major spending on rural development and infrastructure that can support health service delivery.

Health Workforce Training: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is coaching frontline staff on diabetic foot wound assessment, debridement and care to prevent complications and amputations, especially since Solomon Islands lacks podiatrists. Health System Funding: The MHMS is seeking about $6.8m in supplementary donor funding for 2025, including support via Australia, the EU, UNICEF and the Fred Hollows Foundation for provincial services, nursing schools and environmental health work. Medicines Access: A Public Accounts Committee hearing says essential medical supplies are available at about 83%, with calls to push closer to 90% and improve how donor-funded programmes are managed. Freshwater & Climate Resilience: Government has launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience across Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Rural Health Links: In Small Malaita, a China-backed grant will buy boats and an engine to improve safer access to health services, schools and markets; in East Central Guadalcanal, a sanitation project is set to reduce waterborne and sanitation-related illness. Community Water & Power: Solomon Islands–Australia projects in East Kwaio include gravity-fed clean water systems and solar power for schools and the Atoifi College of Nursing, aiming to improve health and service delivery. Security for Health Services: Australia’s handover of new maritime assets (Naiad boats and the Lofung border outpost) is expected to support search and rescue, medical evacuations and delivery of health services in remote areas.

Diabetic foot care: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health is coaching frontline workers to assess, debride and treat diabetic foot wounds earlier, aiming to cut hospital admissions and lower-limb amputations. Health funding oversight: The Ministry is seeking about $6.8m in supplementary donor-linked funding for 2025 health services, including support under the Solomon Islands–Australia Health Partnership. Medicines access: A Public Accounts Committee hearing says essential medical supplies are available at about 83%, with calls to lift availability toward 90% and eventually near 100%. Freshwater security: The PacFresH2O Programme was launched to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience across Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Community sanitation: Small Malaita received SBD100,000 for boats and an engine to improve safer access to health services and markets, while East Central Guadalcanal backed a community-led sanitation push. Mining and health links: A new Mineral Resources Bill would require community development agreements for large-scale mining, including support for local employment and services like health.

Diabetes care upgrade: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is coaching frontline health workers to spot and treat diabetic foot wounds earlier, aiming to cut hospital admissions and lower-limb amputations by improving wound assessment, debridement and care. Health system oversight: At a Public Accounts Committee hearing, essential medical supplies availability was reported at about 83%, with calls to push closer to 90% and improve control over donor-funded programmes. Donor health funding request: MHMS is seeking about $6.8m in supplementary funding for 2025 donor contributions supporting provincial health services, faith-based hospitals and nursing schools. Freshwater security push: Solomon Islands has launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience, with partners including GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Community sanitation support: Small Malaita received SBD100,000 for boats and an engine to improve access to health services and other essentials, while East Central Guadalcanal backed a community-led sanitation project with health benefits in mind.

Diabetic foot care: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health is coaching frontline health workers to spot and treat diabetic foot wounds earlier, aiming to cut hospital admissions and lower-limb amputations by improving wound assessment and care. Health funding: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is seeking about $6.8m in supplementary donor funding for 2025 services, including support through the Solomon Islands–Australia Health Partnership and other partners. Medicines access: A Public Accounts Committee hearing says essential medical supplies are available at about 83%, with calls to push closer to 90% and improve management of donor-funded programmes. Freshwater security: Government has launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience across Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Community health links: Small Malaita received SBD100,000 for boats and an engine to improve rural access to markets, health services, and schools. Mining law with health impacts: A new Mineral Resources Bill proposes statutory community development agreements, including commitments that can cover health and other services for affected communities.

Diabetic foot care training: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health is coaching frontline health workers to assess, debride, and treat diabetic foot wounds earlier, aiming to cut hospital admissions and lower-limb amputations. Essential medicines supply: At a Public Accounts Committee hearing, MHMS said essential medical supplies are available at about 83%, with calls to push closer to 90% and eventually near 100%, plus tighter control of donor-funded programmes. Health funding request: MHMS is seeking about $6.78m in supplementary approval for 2025 donor contributions from Australia, the EU, Fred Hollows Foundation, and UNICEF, including support for provincial health services, nursing schools, and environmental health work. Water and sanitation support: Community projects funded through China and Australia are improving access to clean water, sanitation, and school facilities—key health drivers for rural communities. Freshwater security push: Government launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and strengthen climate resilience across Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Maritime health access: New RSIPF Naiad boats and an Australia-funded Lofung border outpost are expected to support search-and-rescue, medical evacuations, and delivery of health services in remote areas.

Health Supply Watch: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services says essential medical supplies are available at about 83%, but PAC Chair Dr Paul Bosawai urged a push toward 90% and stronger control of donor-funded programmes. Primary Care Focus: The Health Minister says primary health care will be the “frontline foundation,” with clinic rehabilitation and upgrades for maternal and child health, immunisation, family planning, nutrition, common illnesses, non-communicable diseases, mental health support, and early referral. Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands has launched the PacFresH2O Programme to protect freshwater resources and build climate resilience, with freshwater framed as vital for public health, food security, agriculture, and renewable energy. Clean Water & Clinics Support: Australia’s community partnerships highlight projects in East Kwaio, including gravity-fed water systems, solar power for schools and the Atoifi College of Nursing, and sanitation support. Budget & Governance Pressure: Parliament deferred supplementary appropriation bills after required reports weren’t tabled, while the government seeks additional health donor funding of about $6.8m. Border & Health Services Link: Australia’s handover of the Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost is set for 17 August, designed to coordinate police, customs, bio-security, immigration—and enable health and government services in the Shortlands.

Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands has launched the PacFresH2O Programme to protect freshwater resources and boost climate resilience, with support from GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Border & Health Access: Australia will hand over the Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost in the Shortlands on 17 August, designed to coordinate police, customs, bio-security and immigration—and enable health and government services. Health Funding Oversight: The Ministry of Health is seeking $6.8m in supplementary donor funding for 2025 services, while PAC scrutiny also reports essential medical supplies at about 83% and urges improvement toward 90%. Primary Health Care Push: The Health Minister says primary health care will be the frontline focus, including clinic rehabilitation and upgrades tied to staffing, medicines and systems. Mental Health Law Reform: GREAT plans to bring a new Mental Health Bill to replace the 1970 Mental Treatment Act, alongside other health legislation. Community Water & Power: East Kwaio communities received clean water, solar power and school upgrades through the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships programme. Agriculture (Pigs): MALD has started the Pig Breed Improvement Program with breeding pigs arriving at KG VI Farm to tackle poor genetics and inbreeding. Parliament Finance Delay: Parliament deferred consideration of 2025 and 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bills because required reports weren’t tabled.

Health Funding: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Health and Medical Services is seeking about $6.8m in supplementary donor funding for 2025 health services, including support through the Solomon Islands–Australia Health Partnership, plus EU, Fred Hollows Foundation and UNICEF contributions. Medicines Access: At a Public Accounts Committee hearing, MHMS said essential medical supplies are available at around 83%—above 80%—but the PAC chair urged the ministry to push closer to 90% and aim for near 100%. Primary Health Care: The health minister says primary health care will be the frontline focus, with plans to rehabilitate closed clinics and upgrade Area Health Centres, backed by staffing, medicines, equipment and reliable systems. Mental Health Law: The Government says it will bring a new Mental Health Bill to replace the 1970 Mental Treatment Act, alongside other health legislation updates. Gender-Based Violence: Western Province is backing the EmpowerHER Project as a public health response to gender-based violence, with Temotu also pledging support. Sanitation Support: East Central Guadalcanal received $100,000 from the Chinese Embassy to support a community-led sanitation project aimed at reducing waterborne illness.

Essential Medicines: The Ministry of Health and Medical Services says essential medical supplies are available at about 83%, after questions at a Public Accounts Committee hearing, with PAC Chair Dr Paul Bosawai urging a push toward 90% and long-term near-100% availability. Primary Health Care: Health Minister Morris Toiraena says frontline services like rural clinics and nurse aide posts will be treated as the foundation of national health, with clinic rehabilitation and upgrades aimed at maternal and child health, immunisation, nutrition, mental health support and early referral. Mental Health Law Reform: The GREAT Coalition says it will bring a new Mental Health Bill to replace the 1970 Mental Treatment Act, alongside other health legislation including changes to dangerous drugs and the Pure Food Act. Gender-Based Violence Prevention: Western Province backs the EmpowerHER Project, framing gender-based violence as a public health issue that affects physical and mental wellbeing, and focusing on prevention and better support through clinics and communities. Honiara Health Risks: Home Affairs Minister Manasseh Maelanga flags poor sanitation, unmanaged waste, drainage problems, traffic congestion and declining public order in Honiara as issues with direct public health impacts. Clean Water & Power for Communities: Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships projects in East Kwaio (Malaita) are delivering gravity-fed water systems, solar power for schools and nursing facilities, and classroom upgrades—aimed at improving health outcomes and access to services. Sanitation Funding: East Central Guadalcanal’s constituency office received $100,000 from the Chinese Embassy to support the MRCA community-led sanitation project, targeting waterborne and sanitation-related health improvements. Health System Capacity via Training: China says it has supported training for over 1,200 Solomon Islanders in China and that more than 200 students are studying on scholarships, with healthcare listed among cooperation areas. Health & Budget Pressure: Opposition MPs continue to demand clearer costings and financing for major government programmes, including free education and expanded services, warning Parliament is being asked to approve priorities without enough budget detail.

Primary Health Care Push: The Health Minister says frontline services like rural clinics and nurse posts must be the foundation of national health, with clinic rehabilitation and upgrades tied to staffing, medicines, water, lighting and maintenance. Essential Medicines Watch: At a PAC hearing, the Ministry reported essential medical supplies at about 83%, with lawmakers urging a jump toward 90% and long-term near-100% coverage. Mental Health Law Reform: Government plans to bring a new Mental Health Bill to replace the 1970 Mental Treatment Act, alongside other health legislation including Dangerous Drugs and Pure Food amendments. HIV Services Expansion: Australia and Solomon Islands expand HIV testing, treatment and prevention efforts. Education Debate Heats Up: PM Wale defends the free education plan but Opposition and provincial voices warn it could pull families toward Honiara unless rural schools, teachers and services are strengthened first. Public Service Accountability: Transparency Solomon Islands calls for dismissal of absentee public officers after an audit found “No Work, Full Pay” costing the equivalent of over $1 billion. Energy for Honiara: Construction begins on a 22-kilometre transmission line from Tina River to Lungga to deliver up to 15MW of renewable power. Sanitation Funding: East Central Guadalcanal received $100,000 from the Chinese Embassy to support a community-led sanitation project. Regional Politics—Taiwan: China warns Pacific Islands Forum officials over Taiwan attendance, while Solomon Islands reiterates its one-China policy. Community Health Infrastructure: East Kwaio communities in Malaita receive clean water, solar power and school upgrades through the Solomon Islands–Australia Community Partnerships program.

Solar Power for Telecom Expansion: Polar Power says it has received orders for 15 more solar hybrid power systems to support broadband rollout at remote telecom sites across the Solomon Islands, building on successful 2024 deployments. Essential Medicines Watch: A Public Accounts Committee hearing heard essential medical supplies are available at about 83%, with lawmakers urging the Ministry of Health to push closer to 90% and aim for near full availability. HIV Services Boost: Australia and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are expanding HIV prevention, testing and treatment, with over SBD$5 million to strengthen workforce capability, community awareness, and service delivery across all provinces. Primary Health Care Focus: The Health Minister says primary health care will be the frontline priority, including rehabilitating closed clinics, upgrading area health centres, and strengthening maternal and child health, immunisation, nutrition, mental health support and early referral. Mental Health Law Update: Government says it will progress a new Mental Health Bill to replace the 1970 Mental Treatment Act, alongside other health legislation reforms. Gender-Based Violence Prevention: Western and Temotu provinces have backed the EmpowerHER Project, framing gender-based violence as a public health issue and focusing on prevention and better support through clinics and communities. Public Service Attendance Alarm: Transparency Solomon Islands is calling for action after an Auditor General report found large-scale absenteeism with “No Work, Full Pay” culture wasting public funds. Honiara Health Risks from Waste: Home Affairs Minister Maelanga warns Honiara’s sanitation, waste and drainage problems are harming public health and safety, calling for urgent municipal enforcement. Education Policy Debate with Health Implications: Opposition and MPs continue to scrutinise the free education plan, warning that weak provincial schools could drive families toward Honiara—potentially increasing pressure on health and other services. Cemetery Laws for Public Health: Plans for new cemetery management legislation aim to prevent overcrowding and public health risks as urban areas expand.

Essential medicines: At a Public Accounts Committee hearing, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services said essential medical supplies are available at about 83%, with PAC chair Dr Paul Bosawai urging a push toward 90% and long-term near 100%. Primary health care focus: The Health Minister says frontline services—clinics, nurse aide posts and rural health centres—will be treated as the foundation of the health system, with upgrades tied to staffing, medicines and reliable support. HIV support expands: Australia and MHMS are expanding HIV prevention, testing and treatment across all 10 provinces with over SBD$5 million, including workforce support and community awareness. Mental health law update: The Government says it will bring a Mental Health Bill to replace the 1970 Mental Treatment Act, alongside other health legislation. Gender-based violence prevention: Western and Temotu provinces back the EmpowerHER Project, framing gender-based violence as a public health issue needing stronger prevention and support services. Honiara health risks: A call for urgent action on Honiara highlights sanitation, waste, drainage and municipal service failures as public health concerns. Education debate spills into health: Opposition challenges the 2027 free education plan’s readiness and costings, raising knock-on worries for schools and services. Public service absenteeism: Transparency Solomon Islands renews pressure after audit findings that absenteeism wasted about SBD$1 billion, linking weak accountability to poorer service delivery. Community transport for emergencies: Ou’oumatawa (Small Malaita) received a 2-ton CDF-funded tipper truck to improve access for emergency health cases and essential supplies.

HIV response boost: Australia and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services expanded HIV prevention, testing and treatment support, with over SBD$5 million aimed at stronger services, workforce capability and community awareness across all 10 provinces. Primary health care push: The Health Minister says frontline services must be the foundation of the national health system, with plans to rehabilitate closed clinics and upgrade Area Health Centres for maternal and child health, immunisation, family planning, nutrition, common illnesses, non-communicable diseases and mental health support. Mental health law reform: Government will bring a Mental Health Bill to replace the 1970 Mental Treatment Act, alongside other health legislation updates including the Health Service Bill and amendments to dangerous drugs and pure food laws. Gender-based violence as a health issue: Western Province backed the EmpowerHER Project, calling gender-based violence a public health problem that often goes unreported and untreated, while Temotu Province also pledged support for the national initiative. Education debate heats up: PM Wale defended the free education plan as a poverty-proofing measure, while Opposition demanded full costings and financing details—promising the full costing will come to parliament in December. Public service absenteeism alarm: Transparency Solomon Islands renewed calls for sackings after an Auditor General report found about $1 billion wasted on officers paid despite not reporting for work. Community health access via transport: In Small Malaita, Ou’oumatawa received a new 2-ton CDF-funded tipper truck expected to improve access for emergency health cases and services.