Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Ferriavante-Wells, announced that Australia will continue its partnership with Solomon Islands to deliver better health services.

“This includes improved access to maternal and child healthcare, essential medicines, immunisations and malaria control across the country.

“Australia will support preventative health measures such as family planning, nutrition, reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption and sanitation. We will target our funding to make sure that improved health services reach people living in rural and remote areas across Solomon Islands.”

Senator Ferriavante-Wells says that the Australian Government will provide up to $66 million over the next four years to support these key strategic health priorities in Solomon Islands. She says that the Australian aid represents an investment in the future of the Indo-Pacific by contributing to health security for the whole region, including Australia.

“Australia’s ongoing support is contributing to substantial improvements in the delivery of health services in Solomon Islands. The number of malaria cases has declined by 35 per cent since 2010 and the availability of essential medicines at rural health clinics has significantly improved.”

Senator Ferriavante-Wells added that she was particularly impressed that Solomon Islands’ infant mortality rate has reduced by almost half since 2010 and 89 per cent of births are now attended by a trained health worker.