AGP Executive Report

Maternal health upgrade: Australia handed over the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre in Honiara, a $45m investment with a 24/7 birthing suite and 17 inpatient beds, aimed at expanding maternal and primary care and supporting immunisation and child health. Specialist care at NRH: Singapore’s Karuna Medical International completed a mission that screened and treated 691 patients on Kolombangara and delivered four complex surgeries at the National Referral Hospital, with skills transfer for local teams. ENT capacity boost: A Royal Australasian College of Surgeons team finished a week-long ENT surgical mission at NRH, performing 11 operations and running outpatient clinics to reduce hearing-related waiting lists. Dialysis support: India’s foreign minister marked Solomon Islands’ 48th Independence anniversary by recalling a February 2025 gift of a dialysis machine to the National Referral Hospital. Health policy focus: Solomon Islands’ GREAT Coalition policy launch highlighted plans to expand primary and rural health services, strengthen mental health care, and tackle malaria, tuberculosis, cervical cancer and non-communicable diseases. Independence Day context: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese visited Honiara for Independence Day events alongside Prime Minister Matthew Wale, with health and education investments highlighted during the trip.

Maternal & child health: Save the Children reports the first baby delivered by C-section at its new Maternal and Child Hospital in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh—highlighting how donor cuts are threatening essential services in the world’s largest refugee settlement. Specialist care at home: Singapore’s Karuna Medical International completed a mission in May, screening and treating 691 patients on Kolombangara and performing four complex surgeries at the National Referral Hospital, with a focus on skills transfer. ENT services strengthened: A Royal Australasian College of Surgeons team finished a week-long ENT surgical mission at NRH, carrying out 11 operations and running outpatient clinics to reduce hearing-related waiting lists. Malaria push: Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Kenilorea Jnr says malaria remains a major public health challenge as Japan signs grants for modern malaria diagnostics and scholarships. Health & safety in floods: In Isabel, heavy rain has flooded roads around Jejevo, with the provincial health director warning of water-borne disease risks and advising boiling water. Community health infrastructure: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets to curb illegal roadside selling and improve public cleanliness and vendor safety.

ENT & surgical capacity: Singapore’s Karuna Medical International wrapped up a May 2026 mission, screening and treating 691 patients on Kolombangara and performing four complex surgeries at the National Referral Hospital, with a focus on skills transfer. Ear health push: A Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) team completed a week-long ENT mission at NRH, delivering 11 operations (6 major, 5 minor) and outpatient clinics to cut waiting lists, including surgery for an 11-year-old who had missed school due to hearing loss. Malaria diagnostics upgrade: Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Kenilorea Jnr says malaria cases are rising, and Japan has signed grants worth about SBD 14.6m—SBD 6.2m for scholarships and additional support for modern malaria diagnostic equipment to speed up detection and treatment. Flood risk in Isabel: Heavy rain in Buala has flooded roads and the Fera airfield, with health officials warning of water-borne disease risks and urging residents to boil water. Health-linked energy for communities: North West Choiseul received PRC support for solar power sets and electrical upgrades, including for a community clinic, to improve reliable power for health, education and services. Food & nutrition training: WorldFish and Kastom Gaden Association trained 36 Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition to support healthier diets and food security. Health in the wider news: Australia–Fiji defence deals and China’s missile test dominated regional headlines, with Solomon Islands leaders set to engage on security cooperation.

Malaria diagnostics boost: Solomon Islands says malaria remains a major public health challenge as cases rise, with Japan signing grant agreements to fund modern malaria diagnosis equipment for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, aiming for faster, more accurate testing and better surveillance—plus scholarships to strengthen health leadership. Workforce milestone: 184 probation nurses have become registered nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program, with MHMS urging professionalism as they take on greater responsibilities. Flood-linked health risk: Heavy downpour in Buala (Isabel) has flooded roads and the Fera airfield, prompting evacuations and warnings of water-borne disease risk; the provincial health director advises boiling water and urges precautionary measures. Food security & nutrition training: In Gizo, WorldFish and Kastom Gaden Association trained secondary students in organic farming and nutrition to support healthier diets and strengthen household food security. Healthier city trading spaces: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets across its wards, inviting titled landowners to help create safer, cleaner, better-managed vendor areas. Cyclone recovery support: MALD received agricultural tools from New Zealand to help cyclone Maila-affected communities restart gardens that underpin nutrition and livelihoods.

Regional security & health system pressure: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese is set to travel to Fiji and the Solomon Islands as talks on a broader Pacific security deal gather pace, with “integration” and the Vuvale Union in focus—an issue that can shape how regional resources and stability affect health services. Police support for Parliament: Thirty PNG Royal Constabulary personnel are due in Honiara to help with security for the upcoming Parliament sitting, with COVID-19 checks and quarantine steps before duties. Cyclone Maila recovery for food and nutrition: MALD received 200 agricultural tools from New Zealand’s MFAT to help farming communities restart food gardens after Tropical Cyclone Maila, supporting household food security and nutrition. Flood risks in Isabel: Heavy rain in Buala has flooded roads and the Fera airfield, with the provincial health director warning of water-borne disease risks and urging people to boil water. Malaria push with Japan funding: Solomon Islands signed Japan grant agreements worth about SBD 14.6m for malaria diagnosis equipment and postgraduate scholarships, aiming for faster, more accurate testing in remote areas. Health workforce growth: 184 probation nurses have become registered nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program. Clean energy for clinics and schools: A North West Choiseul constituency received PRC support for solar power systems, including supplies for Nukiki Community Clinic. Betelnut market planning: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets and is inviting titled landowners to partner, aiming for safer, cleaner trading spaces.

Regional Security & Policing: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese heads to Fiji and the Solomon Islands as a broader Pacific security deal gains momentum, while PNG Police Support: 30 Royal PNG Constabulary officers fly to Honiara to help Royal Solomon Islands Police with law and order ahead of the Parliament sitting, with COVID-19 checks and quarantine on arrival. Cyclone Recovery & Nutrition: MALD received 200 agricultural tools from New Zealand to help Cyclone Maila-affected farming communities restart food gardens that underpin nutrition and food security. Flooding Risks in Isabel: Heavy rain in Buala has flooded roads and the Fera airfield; the provincial health director warns of water-borne disease risk and urges boiling water. Malaria Fight (Japan Grants): Japan signed agreements worth about SBD 14.6m for malaria diagnosis equipment and scholarships, aiming for faster, more accurate testing to support elimination efforts. Health Workforce: 184 probation nurses have become registered nurses after completing a supervised practice program. Clean Energy for Health Access: Honiara and Choiseul initiatives back solar power for clinics, schools and community needs, including betelnut market planning to improve public health and cleanliness.

Cyclone recovery and food security: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development received 200 hand tools (spades and hoes) from New Zealand’s MFAT supplies to help farming families restart food gardens after Tropical Cyclone Maila, supporting nutrition and household livelihoods. Malaria diagnosis upgrade: Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Kenilorea Jr signed Japan’s grant agreements—SBD 6.2m for postgraduate scholarships and SBD 8.4m for modern malaria diagnostic equipment—aimed at faster, more accurate testing in remote areas to support malaria elimination. Health workforce boost: 184 probation nurses have been commissioned as registered nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program, with MHMS urging high professional standards and patient-focused care. Kidney care at NRH: Doctors at the National Referral Hospital successfully treated a patient with complex kidney and ureter stones using minimally invasive dual-endoscope surgery, following infection control with a stent, antibiotics and drainage. Safer city trading spaces: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets (one per ward) and is inviting titled landowners to help reduce illegal roadside selling, littering, and improve public health. Nutrition and farming for youth: In Western Province, WorldFish and Kastom Gaden Association trained 36 secondary students in organic farming and nutrition to strengthen food security and healthier diets. Clean water spotlight: A global map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring ongoing infrastructure gaps relevant to Solomon Islands’ health and wellbeing. Community health through sport: The Ministry of Forestry and Research launched in the Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Program, promoting fitness and teamwork through football and netball.

Malaria & Health Systems: Japan signed two new grant agreements with Solomon Islands—SBD 6.2m for postgraduate scholarships and SBD 8.4m for modern malaria diagnosis equipment—aimed at faster, more accurate testing in remote areas. Nursing Workforce: 184 probation nurses have been registered as full nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program, with MHMS urging high professional standards. Clinical Care Upgrade: A landmark kidney-stone surgery at the National Referral Hospital used minimally invasive dual-endoscope technology, with local staff trained alongside the visiting China Medical Team. Community Health & Energy Access: North West Choiseul received PRC-funded solar power sets and electrical upgrades for schools, a clinic, churches, and households—supporting better lighting and services. Food & Nutrition Skills: WorldFish and Kastom Gaden Association trained 36 Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition to support healthier diets and food security. Public Health in the City: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets across its wards, aiming for safer, cleaner trading spaces and reduced illegal roadside selling. Health & Wellness in Sports: Solomon Islands’ Ministry of Forestry launched in the Inter-Ministry Healthy Lifestyle and Sports Program, kicking off football and netball matches in Honiara. WWII Remnants Safety: Australia’s Operation Render Safe continued in the region, destroying potentially live WWII munitions off Papua New Guinea and planning further reconnaissance in Tuvalu—reducing long-term explosive and toxic risks to communities and waterways.

Malaria & health system support: Japan signed two new grant agreements with Solomon Islands—SBD$6.2m for postgraduate scholarships (JDS) and about SBD$8.4m for modern malaria diagnosis equipment—aimed at faster, more accurate testing and stronger surveillance, especially in remote areas. Nursing workforce boost: 184 probation nurses have been officially registered after completing the Supervised Practice Program, with MHMS urging professionalism and compassion as they take on greater responsibilities. NRH kidney care milestone: Doctors at the National Referral Hospital, with the 5th China Medical Team, successfully treated a patient with complex kidney and ureteral stones using minimally invasive dual-endoscope surgery and laser removal, also serving as training for local staff. Safe healthcare operations: Australia funded practical healthcare waste management training for staff preparing the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, focusing on segregation, handling, and disposal to reduce infection risks. Community health infrastructure: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets across its 12 wards, inviting titled landowners to help create safer, cleaner trading spaces. Nutrition & food security education: In Gizo, WorldFish and Kastom Gaden Association trained 36 secondary students in organic farming and nutrition to support healthier diets and local food security.

Malaria & Japan support: Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Kenilorea Jr signed Japan’s grants for malaria diagnosis and scholarships, including modern equipment for faster, more accurate testing to back the push toward malaria elimination. Nursing workforce boost: 184 probation nurses have become registered nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program, with leaders urging high professional standards. NRH kidney care: A woman with complex kidney and ureteral stones is recovering after a successful minimally invasive surgery at the National Referral Hospital, led by a visiting Chinese medical team with local doctors. Safe health services: Australia-backed waste management training helped staff at the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre prepare to handle medical waste safely and reduce infection risk. Disaster readiness: 29 rehabilitation and emergency response professionals completed disaster rehabilitation training to improve care for vulnerable groups during emergencies. Community health & food: WorldFish and KGA ran organic farming and nutrition training for Western Province secondary students to strengthen healthier eating and food security. Honiara markets: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets to reduce illegal roadside selling and improve public cleanliness. Regional voice: PM Matthew Wale and Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka called for a stronger, unified Pacific voice, including coordination on regional trade and health-related challenges.

Pacific Health Diplomacy: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale and Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka met in Suva to push a stronger, unified Pacific voice on shared challenges, including regional trade talks under the Melanesian Spearhead Group. Nutrition & Food Security: In Gizo, WorldFish and the Kastom Gaden Association trained 36 Western Province secondary students in organic farming and nutrition, aiming to improve household diets and reduce non-communicable disease risk. Malaria Diagnosis Boost: Japan signed grant agreements with Solomon Islands worth 294 million Japanese Yen—SBD 6.2m for postgraduate scholarships and SBD 8.4m for modern malaria diagnostic equipment to speed up detection and support elimination efforts. Health Workforce Strengthening: 184 probation nurses have become registered nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program, with the Ministry urging high professional standards. Safer Health Facilities: Australia funded waste management training for staff preparing the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, focusing on correct segregation and handling to prevent infection spread. Disaster-Ready Rehab Care: 29 health and emergency response professionals completed disaster rehabilitation training at NRH, including access for people with disabilities. Clinical Care Milestone: Doctors at NRH performed a landmark minimally invasive kidney stone surgery with a Chinese medical team, using dual-endoscope technology for faster recovery. Water & Health Risk: A global data story highlights where safe drinking water remains out of reach—an issue closely tied to health and disease prevention.

Malaria response: Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Kenilorea Jr says malaria remains a major public health challenge in Solomon Islands, with cases rising in remote and rural areas, as Japan signs new support to strengthen diagnosis. Japan grants: Two Exchange of Notes total about SBD 14.6 million—SBD 6.2 million for postgraduate scholarships (JDS) and about SBD 8.4 million for modern malaria diagnostic equipment for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, aiming for faster, more accurate testing and better surveillance. Workforce milestone: 184 probation nurses have become registered nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program, with MHMS urging them to maintain high professional standards as they take on greater responsibilities. Safer facilities: Australia-backed waste management training helped 22 healthcare workers prepare for the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, focusing on correct segregation, handling, and disposal to reduce infection risk. City health & order: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets (one per ward) and is inviting titled landowners to partner, aiming to curb illegal roadside selling and improve cleanliness and public health. Clinical care upgrade: A Chinese medical team performed landmark minimally invasive kidney stone surgery at NRH, removing kidney and ureteral stones after initial drainage and antibiotics.

Malaria & Health System Support: Japan and Solomon Islands signed grant agreements worth 294 million Japanese Yen to boost human resource development and improve malaria diagnosis, including modern diagnostic equipment for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and postgraduate scholarships for public servants. Workforce Strengthening: A total of 184 probation nurses have become registered nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program, marking a major step for nursing services across the country. Safe Care & Preparedness: Australia funded specialised healthcare waste management training for staff preparing the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, while 29 health and emergency response professionals completed disaster rehabilitation training at NRH to improve inclusive response for people with disabilities. Local Health & Clean Trading Spaces: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets across its 12 wards, inviting titled landowners to help create safer, cleaner trading areas and reduce illegal roadside selling. Clinical Milestone at NRH: Doctors supported by the 5th China Medical Team performed a successful minimally invasive kidney stone surgery at the National Referral Hospital, using dual-endoscope technology and laser treatment. Climate Risk to Health: A Green Climate Fund official warned Solomon Islands to prepare for a looming 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” with potential knock-on effects for water and public services that can worsen health outcomes.

Malaria & Health Funding: Japan and Solomon Islands signed grant agreements worth 294 million Japanese Yen (about SBD 14.6m) to boost human resources and improve malaria diagnosis, including modern diagnostic equipment for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and postgraduate scholarships for public servants. Workforce Strengthening: 184 probation nurses have been registered as nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program, with leaders urging high professional standards and compassion in essential services. Safe Care & Preparedness: Australia supported waste management training for staff preparing the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, focusing on correct segregation and handling to prevent infectious spread, while 29 health and emergency professionals completed disaster rehabilitation training at NRH to improve inclusive response for people with disabilities. Community Health in the City: Honiara City Council approved 12 designated betelnut markets across its 12 wards and is inviting titled landowners to help create safer, cleaner trading spaces and reduce illegal roadside selling. Climate-Health Link: Solomon Islands is bracing for a possible 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” with officials warning that prolonged dry spells could lead to water shortages and knock-on effects for health and other services. Health Care Access Data: A global map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the wider health risks tied to unsafe water.

Malaria & Diagnostics: Solomon Islands’ Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Kenilorea Jr says malaria remains a major public health challenge, as Japan signs grant agreements to boost malaria diagnosis with modern equipment for faster, more accurate detection—key for timely treatment and progress toward elimination. Health Workforce: 184 probation nurses have become registered nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program, with MHMS urging professionalism and compassion as they take on greater responsibilities. Primary Health Care: Solomon Islands is the first Pacific country to implement the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) framework, linking health system spending (staffing, facilities, medicines) to real outcomes so provinces can track performance and target resources better. Safe Care & Waste: Australia-funded healthcare waste management training prepares staff for the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, focusing on correct segregation and handling to prevent infection spread. Disaster Readiness: 29 health and emergency response professionals complete rehabilitation in disaster and emergency training to improve care for vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities. Urban Public Health: Honiara City Council invites titled landowners to partner in establishing 12 designated betelnut markets across city wards to reduce illegal roadside selling, littering, and improve orderly, safer trading spaces. El Niño & Health Risks: Meteorology director Alick Haruhiru warns El Niño impacts may include water shortages that can affect health and essential services, with rainfall variability shaping how communities are hit. Kidney Care Milestone: Doctors at NRH, with the 5th China Medical Team, perform successful minimally invasive surgery for complex kidney stones, highlighting improved specialist capacity and training opportunities.

Malaria & health workforce boost: Solomon Islands and Japan signed two grant agreements worth 294 million Japanese Yen—126 million for a Human Resource Development Scholarship and 168 million for modern malaria diagnosis equipment—aimed at strengthening public service capacity and improving malaria testing nationwide. Nursing capacity grows: 184 probation nurses were officially commissioned as registered nurses after completing the Supervised Practice Program, with leaders urging professionalism and compassion as they take on greater responsibilities. Safe maternity care readiness: Australia funded waste management training for 22 healthcare workers preparing for the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, focusing on correct segregation and handling to prevent infection spread. Disaster response skills: Twenty-nine health and emergency professionals completed a rehabilitation in disaster and emergency course at NRH, with training designed to improve care coordination and access for vulnerable groups during emergencies. Specialist surgery at NRH: A Chinese medical team, working with local staff, performed a landmark minimally invasive kidney stone surgery using dual-endoscope technology, offering faster recovery and serving as a training opportunity for Solomon Islands doctors. Primary care performance: Solomon Islands became the first Pacific country to adopt the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative framework, linking health system investment to real outcomes and helping provinces target improvements. Climate risk to health: A Green Climate Fund official warned Solomon Islands to prepare for a 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” with El Niño conditions already declared and potential impacts on water and public services.