BY NED GAGAHE
The new SBD$45 million Australia-funded health facility which aims to improve maternal and child healthcare was officially handed over in Honiara yesterday.
The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre was opened by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit to Solomon Islands to mark the country’s 48th Independence anniversary.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Matthew Wale before the opening, Mr Albanese said the new facility will deliver better healthcare services for women, newborns and the wider community.
“Shortly, I’ll have the great honour of opening the Australia-funded Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre,” Mr Albanese said.
“This is a $45 million facility that will improve the health of women and their babies as well as the broader community.”
The new health centre is one of Australia’s largest recent investments in Solomon Islands’ health sector and is expected to strengthen maternal and child health services while easing pressure on existing medical facilities in Honiara.
The opening forms part of Australia’s broader commitment to support Solomon Islands through investments in health, education and national development.
Mr Albanese said Australia remains committed to working alongside Solomon Islands to improve essential services and strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
The health centre was officially opened following bilateral talks between the two leaders, during which they also announced plans to negotiate a new comprehensive treaty covering areas including health, education, security and economic cooperation.
Photo credit: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s Facebook page
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