Solomon Islands and Australia have launched the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership, a $150 million investment to enhance healthcare delivery and save lives across Solomon Islands.
The launch was attended by Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon Paul Bosawai, Minister for Provincial Government, Hon Wayne Ghemu, Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health, Dr Lucas de Toca and Permanent Secretary Health, Mrs Pauline McNeil.
Solomon Islands and Australia are long-term partners in the health sector, working together to improve health services and health outcomes for the people of Solomon Islands for over 20 years.
“This is a new $150 million investment to deliver a new phase in our health partnership with a much greater focus on provinces,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“Half of this new funding – $75 million – will go directly to Provincial Health Departments and Honiara City Council to deliver essential primary health services.”
“This is on top of our investment into the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre and all other significant regional health investments.”
The new Health Partnership also includes a $10 million Health Facility Fund to support small-scale upgrades for health facilities in every province, and a $10 million National Priorities Fund which will help respond to emerging government health priorities.
Recognising the important role of women and emerging leaders, the Health Partnership will also establish a $2 million Permanent Secretary’s Women in Health Leadership Award.
The new Health Partnership will also support the National Referral Hospital through improved clinical governance arrangements and better alignment of the long-standing clinical partnerships that have developed between Solomon Islands and Australian clinical teams.
“As the previous health partnership concludes, today marks the beginning of a new and renewed commitment to our health sector,” Minister Bosawai said.
“The Solomon Islands–Australia Partnership for Health 2025–2028 reinforces Australia's role as our biggest health development partner and partner of choice in supporting the strengthening of our health systems and the delivery of essential health services.”
Ambassador de Toca said it was a privilege to be in Solomon Islands to celebrate the launch of the new health partnership.
“My visit has provided a wonderful opportunity to meet many of the dedicated MHMS staff, doctors and nurses,” Ambassador de Toca said.
“It has been invaluable to hear directly about the challenges and opportunities to strengthen our partnership to support improved health services in Solomon Islands.”
“My time here has also highlighted that Australia shares more than a partnership with Solomon Islands, but a genuine friendship.”
This new phase of support builds on the legacy of achievements under the former phase of our support and has a renewed focus on provincial health service delivery, aligned with the National Health Strategic Plan.
Minister Bosawai, High Commissioner Hilton and Ambassador de Toca all expressed deep appreciation for the dedicated staff of the Ministry of Health and health workers across the country, acknowledging their critical role in saving lives and improving the health of all Solomon Islanders.
This health partnership marks a significant step towards ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Solomon Islanders, paving the way for a healthy future for all.
Source: Press Release, Australian High Commission