AGP Executive Report

Primary Health Care Upgrade: Solomon Islands has become the first Pacific country to roll out the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) framework, linking health spending like staffing, facilities and medicines to real service delivery and outcomes across provinces. Health Facility Safety: Australia-backed waste management training helped 22 staff prepare for the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, with practical lessons on safely handling and segregating medical waste to prevent infectious disease spread. Disaster-Ready Rehabilitation: Twenty-nine health and emergency professionals completed a three-day disaster rehabilitation course at the National Referral Hospital, focused on patient care, coordination, and access for people with disabilities during emergencies. El Niño and Health Risks: Solomon Islands’ drought response plan is now active as El Niño conditions are declared, with health impacts expected if rainfall stays below normal; the Meteorological Service warns water tanks, wells and dams could run dry in some areas. Water, Food and Health Link: A Borlaug Scholar award highlighted research on how water access affects health, agriculture and long-term food security in Solomon Islands. Climate Displacement: Reporting on the A’ama tribe’s relocation after 2014 flash floods underscores how climate change is forcing communities to move, often losing homes and basic services. Regional Health Security: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare early for El Niño impacts, stressing that knowledge and practical steps can protect families and services.

Healthcare Waste Safety: Australia-backed waste management training has just finished for 22 staff preparing the new Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, with practical coaching on segregation, storage, transport and disposal to help prevent infectious disease spread. Disaster-Ready Rehabilitation: Twenty-nine health and emergency professionals completed a three-day Rehabilitation in Disaster and Emergency course at the National Referral Hospital, focusing on patient care, coordination and access for people with disabilities during crises. Primary Health Care Upgrade: Solomon Islands became the first Pacific country to roll out the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) framework, linking health system spending like staffing and medicines to real outcomes across provinces. El Niño Drought Planning: The National Disaster Management Office activated Solomon Islands’ national drought response plan after El Niño conditions were declared, setting up a drought advisory group to track rainfall, water, agriculture, food security and health risks. El Niño Health and Water Warnings: Meteorological Director Alick Haruhiru says low rainfall can slowly dry tanks, wells and dams within months, with knock-on effects for health and education. Regional Food Security Link: A Solomon Islands student’s Borlaug Scholar research highlighted how water and sanitation challenges affect health, agriculture and long-term food security. Cybersecurity for Health Systems: INTERPOL says Solomon Islands is among Pacific nations joining a regional cybercrime initiative, warning that scams and ransomware threats are rising.

Primary Health Care: Solomon Islands became the first Pacific country to roll out the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) framework, linking health system spending (staffing, facilities, medicines, funding) to real service delivery and community outcomes, with Western Province Health Summit leaders praising the approach for better targeting. Maternal Health Training: 163 probation nurses attended antenatal care training in Honiara, supported by KOICA through WHO, aiming to improve quality care for pregnant women before they enter public service. El Niño & Drought Preparedness: The National Disaster Management Office activated Solomon Islands’ national drought response plan after El Niño conditions were declared, setting up a drought advisory group to monitor rainfall, water, agriculture, food security and health risks. El Niño Impacts on Water: Meteorology director Alick Haruhiru warned that prolonged low rainfall can dry tanks, wells and dams within months, raising knock-on risks for health and education. Food Security Research Recognition: A Solomon Islands water-and-sanitation study helped TCCHS junior Hannah Bilello earn a 2026 Borlaug Scholar honour, highlighting how safe water access supports health, farming and long-term food security. Regional Health & Climate: Pacific leaders and health voices are pushing early preparation for a “super El Niño,” warning climate change will intensify pressures on public services and resources.

Super El Niño & health risk: A Green Climate Fund official says Solomon Islands must act now for a 2026–2027 “super El Niño,” warning climate change will intensify impacts on water and public services as El Niño conditions are already declared. Water shortages could hit health: The Met Services director says lower rainfall can slowly drain tanks, wells and dams, with knock-on effects for health and education, while temperatures may rise during prolonged dry spells. Drought response activated: The National Disaster Management Office has switched on the national drought response plan, setting up a drought advisory group to track rainfall, water stress, food security and health impacts. Primary care push: Solomon Islands became the first Pacific country to roll out the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative framework, linking health spending to real outcomes across provinces. Antenatal care training: KOICA and WHO supported antenatal care training for 163 probation nurses, aiming to improve quality care for pregnant women. Digital health leadership: PATH appoints new regional leadership for digital health and AI work across Asia-Pacific, including Solomon Islands. Pacific security & health funding: A U.S. Pacific summit pledged more infrastructure, climate funding and support for public health, while stressing listening to the region. Tonga cybercrime warning: INTERPOL says Pacific states, including Solomon Islands, face rising ransomware and scams, calling for stronger cyber resilience.

El Niño & Health Risks: Solomon Islands Meteorological Services says the impacts of El Niño will vary by rainfall and local water access, with lower-than-normal rain a slow-onset threat that can leave tanks, wells and dams running dry after two to three months—raising knock-on risks for health and education as temperatures may climb to 32–34°C during prolonged dry spells. Drought Preparedness: The National Disaster Management Office has activated Solomon Islands’ national drought response plan, setting up a drought advisory group to track rainfall, water resources, agriculture, food security and potential health impacts. Primary Health Care Upgrade: Solomon Islands became the first Pacific country to implement the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative framework, linking health system spending (staffing, facilities, medicines and funding) to real service delivery and outcomes across provinces. Antenatal Care Training: 163 probation nurses attended antenatal care training in Honiara, supported by KOICA via WHO, focused on quality care for pregnant women. Visa Pathway for Health Access: Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa ballot will open July 1–29, doubling places for Solomon Islanders from 150 to 300 from 2027, with successful applicants able to access Australia’s healthcare and education while keeping ties to home. Digital Safety for Health Systems: INTERPOL says cybercrime is rising across the Pacific and includes Solomon Islands in a regional joint operations programme aimed at improving cyber resilience and law-enforcement response. Nutrition & Food Security Link: Oxfam warns Papua New Guinea’s Highlands could face severe food shortages and malnutrition as El Niño brings frost and drought that destroy gardens, crops and livestock. Traditional Knowledge & Sport Integrity: SINU Dean Dr Clyde Puilingi appointed to a UNESCO task force on traditional pharmacopoeia in sport values, ethics and integrity. Community Health & Faith: Preparations continue for “Solomon for Christ 2026,” which also flags NCD burden and peace-building as part of its mission focus.

Primary Health Care: Solomon Islands became the first Pacific country to roll out the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) framework, linking health system spending (staffing, facilities, medicines, funding) to real service delivery and community health outcomes, with the push highlighted at the Western Province Health Summit. Maternal Health Training: 163 probation nurses attended antenatal care training in Honiara, supported by KOICA through WHO, focused on improving quality care for pregnant women. El Niño & Drought Preparedness: The National Disaster Management Office activated Solomon Islands’ drought response plan after El Niño conditions were declared, setting up a drought advisory group to monitor rainfall, water, agriculture, food security and health risks. Digital Health Leadership: PATH announced its next chapter in digital health innovation, while a regional digital health leadership appointment was made for an Asia-Pacific center, including work across Solomon Islands on digital health infrastructure and telemedicine landscapes. Health & Wellness Capacity: A Western Province summit wrapped up with calls for stronger community support for health workers, and Solomon Islands health professionals began short-term public health management training in New Zealand under Manaaki NZ. Climate, Health & Equity for Girls: Plan International urged putting girls at the centre of climate solutions, noting how fuel and climate shocks disrupt school and clinic access across the Pacific.

Primary Health Care: Solomon Islands has become the first Pacific country to roll out the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) framework, linking health system spending like staffing, facilities and medicines to real service delivery and outcomes across provinces. Antenatal Care Training: 163 probation nurses attended antenatal care training in Honiara, supported by KOICA through WHO, aiming to improve quality pregnancy care before they move into public service. Drought Preparedness (El Niño): The National Disaster Management Office activated Solomon Islands’ national drought response plan after El Niño conditions were declared, setting up a drought advisory group to track rainfall, water stress, agriculture and possible health impacts. Digital Health Leadership: PATH named a new leader for its Asia-Pacific digital health push, including work across Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands on telemedicine and health data systems. Cybersecurity Cooperation: Solomon Islands is included in a regional INTERPOL cybercrime initiative, alongside other Pacific states, as ransomware and online scams rise and small island systems face limited cyber resilience. Traditional Knowledge & Sport Ethics: SINU Dean Dr Clyde Puilingi was appointed to a UNESCO global task force on traditional pharmacopoeia in sport values, ethics and integrity. Nutrition & Food Security (Youth Action): World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge in New Zealand is raising funds for hungry children in Solomon Islands, citing chronic malnutrition and climate pressure on families.

Digital Health Leadership: A new APAC digital health innovation leadership team is being set up, with landscape work already done across Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands to map telemedicine and health data systems. Primary Health Care: Solomon Islands has become the first Pacific country to roll out the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI) framework, linking health spending to real outcomes across provinces. Maternal Health Training: 163 probation nurses attended antenatal care training in Honiara, supported by KOICA and WHO, to improve quality care for pregnant women. UNESCO & Traditional Knowledge in Sport: SINU Dean Dr Clyde Puilingi has been appointed to a UNESCO Global Task Force on traditional pharmacopoeia and sport ethics, boosting Solomon Islands’ voice on clean sport. El Niño Preparedness: The National Disaster Management Office activated the national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, with health impacts included in monitoring. Cybersecurity: Tonga joined an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative, and the programme lists Solomon Islands among participating Pacific nations. Nutrition & Food Security Angle: A World Vision 40 Hour Challenge in New Zealand is raising funds for hungry children in Solomon Islands, where chronic malnutrition remains a major concern.

Cybersecurity: Solomon Islands is listed among Pacific nations joining an INTERPOL regional cybercrime initiative, aimed at boosting intelligence sharing, training and cyber resilience as ransomware and scams rise. Climate & health risks: SPREP urges Pacific communities to prepare for El Niño impacts, while Solomon Islands’ National Disaster Management Office has activated a national drought response plan to protect communities and monitor possible health effects from water stress. Food & nutrition access: World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge is mobilising schools to raise funds for hungry children in Solomon Islands, where chronic malnutrition remains a major concern. Maternal health workforce: 163 probation nurses attended antenatal care training supported by KOICA through WHO, focused on improving quality care for pregnant women. Primary care strengthening: Western Province’s health summit in Gizo wrapped up with calls for stronger community support and practical steps to improve primary health care. Health education & capacity: Four health professionals are in Auckland for a Manaaki New Zealand scholarship leadership course in public health management. Traditional medicine & sport ethics: SINU’s Dr Clyde Puilingi has been appointed to UNESCO’s Global Task Force on Traditional Pharmacopoeia in the context of sport values, ethics and integrity.

El Niño & drought planning: Solomon Islands’ National Disaster Management Office has activated the national drought response plan after El Niño conditions were declared, setting up a drought advisory group to track rainfall, water stress, agriculture, food security and health impacts. Antenatal care capacity boost: 163 probation nurses from across the provinces attended Antenatal Care Training at St Barnabas Cathedral Hall, supported by KOICA through WHO, aiming to improve quality care for pregnant women. Primary health leadership: Western Province’s weeklong Health Summit in Gizo wrapped up with calls for stronger primary health care, with community leaders stressing their role in supporting health workers and programs. Health workforce training: Four health professionals are in Auckland for a three-week Manaaki New Zealand scholarship in public health management, focused on strengthening public sector efficiency and health leadership. Education & health links: A Jordan Secondary School (Malaita) two-storey building was opened, with organisers also highlighting the need for clinics and health education in underserved villages. Food & nutrition support: World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge in New Zealand is raising funds to tackle child hunger in Solomon Islands, where chronic malnutrition remains a major concern. Wellness events: International Yoga Day activities were held across the region, including participation by Nauru’s president and communities from Solomon Islands and beyond. Sports with medical support: Solomon Games preparations are in the final stretch, with organisers flagging medical support as part of the July 6–10 event planning.

El Niño & health readiness: SPREP is urging Pacific communities to start preparing now that an El Niño event has been declared, warning impacts will vary by country and calling for practical steps to protect families and reduce risks. Antenatal care training: In Honiara, 163 probation nurses attended an Antenatal Care Training at St Barnabas Hall, supported by KOICA through WHO, focused on improving quality care for pregnant women. Primary health focus in Western Province: A weeklong Provincial Health Summit in Gizo wrapped up with calls for stronger primary health care, with nurses, clinic supervisors, doctors and community leaders discussing practical ways to improve services. Drought response activated: Solomon Islands’ National Disaster Management Office has activated its national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, setting up a Drought Advisory Group to monitor rainfall, water, agriculture, food security and potential health impacts. Sports & medical support for Solomon Games: Organisers say preparations for the Solomon Games 2026 are in the final phase, including medical support, as “Rise Together” approaches July 6–10. Nutrition push via youth fundraising: World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge (June 19–21) is mobilising young people to raise funds for hungry children in Solomon Islands, where chronic malnutrition remains a major concern. Health workforce development: Four Solomon Islands health professionals are in Auckland for a short-term Manaaki New Zealand scholarship on public health management leadership, running June 15 to July 3.

International Yoga Day: Yoga events were held across the region, including large community sessions in Abu Dhabi and celebrations linked to the 12th International Day of Yoga, with themes focused on healthy ageing and wellbeing. Solomon Games 2026 (Health & Sport): Organisers say preparations for the “Rise Together” Solomon Games are in the final stretch, with medical support and athlete services among the areas being tightened ahead of July 6–10. Antenatal Care Training: 163 probation nurses attended antenatal care training in Honiara, supported by KOICA via WHO, aiming to improve quality pregnancy care before nurses move into public service. Drought Response & Health Risk: The National Disaster Management Office has activated the national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, with monitoring that includes possible health impacts from prolonged dry weather. Nutrition & Community Support: World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge is set to run in New Zealand to raise funds for hungry children in Solomon Islands, highlighting chronic malnutrition and climate-smart support for families. Primary Health Leadership: A Western Province Health Summit in Gizo wrapped up with calls for stronger community involvement to improve primary health care delivery. UNESCO & Traditional Knowledge: SINU welcomed Dr Clyde Puilingi’s appointment to a UNESCO Global Task Force on traditional pharmacopoeia in sport values, ethics and integrity. Environment for Health: MECDM officials urged daily waste and coastal protection, linking cleaner environments to healthier futures for communities and children.

Solomon Games Countdown: Organisers say preparations for the July 6–10 “Rise Together” Solomon Games are in the final stretch, with work now focused on competition management, accommodation, transport, medical support, ceremonies and media. Primary Health Care Training: 163 probation nurses attended Antenatal Care training in Honiara, supported by KOICA via WHO, aimed at improving quality care for pregnant women. Western Province Health Summit: A weeklong Provincial Health Summit in Gizo wrapped up with nurses, clinic supervisors, doctors and community leaders calling for stronger community support for health workers and better primary health care delivery. Drought Response: NDMO has activated Solomon Islands’ national drought plan as El Niño conditions develop, setting up a Drought Advisory Group to monitor rainfall, water, agriculture, food security and possible health impacts. Nutrition & Food Security Push: World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge (19–21 June) is set to raise funds for hungry children in Solomon Islands, where nearly half of under-fives face chronic malnutrition. Health & Education Support: Manaaki New Zealand scholarship funding will send four Solomon Islands health professionals to Auckland for a short public health management course. Environment & Waste: MECDM officials launched a week-long coastal clean-up in Honiara, stressing environmental protection as a daily responsibility and urging the “Three Rs.” Health Systems & Capacity: A new two-story classroom building was opened at Jordan Secondary School in Malaita, with speakers linking education to health and community wellbeing.

Antenatal Care Training: 163 probation nurses from across the provinces completed a week-long Antenatal Care training at St Barnabas Cathedral Hall, supported by KOICA via WHO, focused on improving quality pregnancy care before they move into public service. Drought Preparedness: With El Niño conditions declared, the National Disaster Management Office has activated Solomon Islands’ national drought response plan, setting up a Drought Advisory Group to track rainfall, water, agriculture, food security and possible health impacts. UNESCO & Traditional Knowledge: SINU Dean Dr Clyde Puilingi was appointed to UNESCO’s Global Task Force of Experts (2026–2027) on Traditional Pharmacopoeia in the context of sport values, ethics and integrity. Western Province Health Summit: A weeklong Provincial Health Summit in Gizo wrapped up with nurses, clinic supervisors, doctors and community leaders agreeing on practical ways to strengthen primary health care, including clearer community support for health workers. Nutrition & Food Security Push: Manaaki NZ scholarship support sent four Solomon Islands health professionals to Auckland for short-term public health management training, including a Nutrition Officer. Environment & Waste: MECDM officials launched a week-long coastal clean-up in Honiara, urging daily waste reduction and “Three Rs” habits to protect beaches and marine health. Solomon Games Build-Up: Organisers are in the final stretch for the July 6–10 “Rise Together” Solomon Games, with medical support, transport and accommodation among key areas being finalised.

Drought & Health Preparedness: Solomon Islands’ National Disaster Management Office has activated the national drought response plan as El Niño conditions develop, with a drought sub-plan and a Drought Advisory Group set to track rainfall, water stress, agriculture and food security, including potential health impacts. Nutrition & Food Security Fundraising: World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge is set to run 19–21 June, urging young people to go offline for 40 hours to raise support for hungry children in Solomon Islands, where nearly half of children under five face chronic malnutrition. Public Health Training: Four Solomon Islands health professionals are in Auckland for a three-week Manaaki New Zealand scholarship course focused on public health management, including roles in nutrition, medical laboratory work, and entomology. Community Health & Environment: Honiara’s coastal clean-up campaign highlights waste management and daily environmental responsibility, with calls to use the “Three Rs” to protect community health. Health & Education Link: A new two-story classroom building opened at Jordan Secondary School in Malaita, with organisers also stressing village health needs where clinics and medicine are limited. Workplace Wellness Through Sport: Government ministries joined an inter-ministry healthy lifestyle and sports programme aimed at promoting healthier workplaces. Food Systems & Trade: Pacific fisheries officials in Solomon Islands and others are training on EU tuna freezing rules, a reminder that cold-chain and food safety requirements can shape market access. Science & Immunity: New research reports Denisovan-inherited DNA still influencing immune activity in Near Oceania populations, including the Solomon Islands.

Denisovan DNA and immunity: A Yale-led Science study reports that people across Near Oceania—including the Solomon Islands—still carry thousands of Denisovan-inherited genetic variants that affect immune activity, especially interferon-gamma signalling, adding to why Oceanians have been underrepresented in global health research. Free education debate: Solomon Islands is pushing a “free education” conversation, but coverage stresses the real question is which costs are covered (fees, materials, transport, housing, and more) and how government funding will actually reach students. AMR support for clinicians: The WHO released a practical manual for health workers in the Western Pacific on strengthening diagnostic stewardship to improve infection identification and reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use. Healthy living through sport: The Hook in4Health initiative brought hockey and team-building to North East Guadalcanal schools and communities, using sport to promote “Live Well, Learn Well, Lead Well.” Environment and health link: Honiara’s coastal clean-up campaign highlights that poor waste management harms beaches and community wellbeing, urging the “Three Rs” and everyday stewardship. Child hunger fundraising: World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge (19–21 June) is set to raise funds for hungry children in Solomon Islands, citing high rates of chronic malnutrition.