Leaders from communities, health services and the provincial administration gathered in Tulagi for a first Central Islands Provincial Health Summit, held from 14 to 18 September, according to a statement published on 23 September on solomons.gov.sb under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

The statement said the Central Islands Provincial Health Service organised the meeting with Australian support, as one step in the ministry's national rollout of the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) to build up primary health care in the provinces. Over five days, those taking part went through what is working and what is not in the province's health services and settled on practical steps to widen access to care, the statement said, with talks centred on priorities and solutions led at the local level.

Health and Medical Services Minister, Honourable Morris Toiraena, was quoted in the statement as saying leadership at provincial level is needed if health outcomes nationwide are to improve. "Achieving better health outcomes requires strong partnerships, effective leadership, and community participation," Hon. Toiraena said, adding that the summit was "strengthening accountability, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and supporting provinces to develop practical actions".

Mr James Poloso, Health Director for Central Islands Province, said in the statement that the meeting gives community voices a place in future planning, calling it a chance for the province "to listen to communities, understand the challenges facing our health workers, and agree on practical actions".

Mr Jeff Roach, the Australian High Commissioner, said in the statement that strong local services are what healthy communities rest on. "When local leaders come together to identify challenges and create solutions, the results are more practical, sustainable and responsive to community needs," the High Commissioner said.

Clinics around the province were also given water tanks, tools and other items paid for by Australia while the summit was on, the statement said, in response to priorities set by provincial health authorities. It said the summit and the assistance to clinics form part of continuing work by the ministry and Australia on locally led planning and on health services in Solomon Islands.

Source: Based on the statement "Community and Health Leaders shape health priorities as clinics receive new support in Central Islands Province", published on solomons.gov.sb under the Ministry of Health & Medical Services on 23 September 2026. https://solomons.gov.sb/community-and-health-leaders-shape-health-priorities-as-clinics-receive-new-support-in-central-islands-province/