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ADB has plans for expansion in the region, including Solomon Islands

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is an Asia regional development organization dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific.

A late evening news bulletin from Radio New Zealand, last night, Thursday, heralded some good news and I would like, if permitted, to share the announced proposals.

Quoting from Radio New Zealand – September 20, 2018. “Health and education in Pacific island countries is in line for a boost under the Asian Development Bank’s plans for expansion in the region.

“The bank, which provides loans, grants and other help to its member countries, has announced plans to set up seven new offices around the region.

“Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Nauru, Tuvalu and Kiribati will all have an ADB mission by the end of next year according to the ADB’s Paul Curry.

“The ADB is also beefing up its presence in four other Pacific island countries – Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu.

“Mr Curry, the ADB’s Principal Operations Coordination Specialist for the Pacific, said the bank hoped to grow its existing portfolios in the region around transport, energy, water and public financial management.

“A regional vaccination programme is also to be approved this year, he said.

“On the education side we’ve done a lot of work in the north Pacific on enhancing teacher training and curriculum so I think we’ll continue to build on those successes and expand where there’s a need.”

“The ADB’s portfolio of work in the region had grown to around $US700 million according to Mr Curry.

“When we have ADB staff on the ground it just ensures that we’re able to work more closely with the government, with other development partners, to understand the country context and the development challenges the country faces and to work with other donors in a coordinated fashion,” he said.

“Mr Curry dismissed suggestions the scale-up was to head off other players keen to boost their influence in the increasingly-contested region.

“It’s not a reaction to any short-term issue. It’s been something that we’ve been looking at for a long time, at least a year or two under the pilot project and so it’s not a reaction to any kind or emerging issue. It’s about a long-term commitment that we have to the region.”

“It had become much more of a challenge for the ADB to remotely manage the substantial infrastructure projects it had in the region and it made sense to be on the ground, Mr Curry said.

Amid concern the region’s vulnerable economies are at high risk of debt distress in the push for development, the ADB representative said the bank was “very sensitive” to the question of debt sustainability over the long-run.

“We only provide grants or concessional loans where it’s appropriate.”

“Seven countries, including Tonga, are recipients of ADB assistance which is strictly in the form of grants, he said.

The ADB’s overall assistance to the Pacific has doubled every five years since 2005, and now stands at $US2.9 billion.

“Total assistance is expected to surpass $US4 billion by 2020.

“The new offices will complement regional offices in Fiji and Australia.” Copyright @ 2018, Radio New Zealand.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Japanese volunteer raises the need for improvement in MET service

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MET staffs demonstrate their electronic wiring chip projects after completed it

By Ezekiel Talatau

SOLOMON Islands weather monitoring system has been described as being in need of improvement.

Former Toshiba electronic specialist, Mr Yusuke Okuyama, a Japanese volunteer completing his two-year contract with Solomon Islands MET Service, revealed this to Island Sun in an interview earlier this week.

He said during his two-year voluntary work with the MET service and the ministry of environment (MECDM), he has had the opportunity to train a handful of local MET staff on repair and maintenance of existing weather system devices in the country.

Okuyama says an area needing improvement is the type of technology used.

He makes an example of the need to have sensory devices in the MET service’s weather monitoring system, and the latest software to operate new technology equipment.

He shares that his time here in the Solomons has been memorable, adding that he enjoyed training the staffs from Honiara, Malaita, Taro and Munda.

Staff taken initiatives to complete electronic practical projects
Mr Yusuke Okuyama demonstate sensor signals to MET staffs
MET staffs demonstrate their electronic wiring chip projects after completed it

Finding independence through hardship

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ELLISON VAHI

HAVING felt bad to depend on relatives to assist them and their children, as they to have a lot of their own problems to deal with, is where many people throughout Honiara and out in the provinces, would find ways to generate money by using skills that they have or skills they acquired through workshops.

Despite losing her husband many years ago and having felt bad to depend on relatives to assist her, Mrs Rosalie, through her hard work full of determination and trust to herself, Sasali is now one amongst the very hard working women’s, though having no formal job but is really sup portative in assisting her children as well for herself.

Mrs Rose Sasali, who comes from Small Malaita, Malaita Province said she started her business when she became a member of SIWBA (Solomon Islands Women in Business Association).

Mrs Sasali lost her husband many years ago, and without any financial help, she began to attend workshops and trainings organized through SIWBA.

“I went to all the trainings on offer because it was free for members, I learnt how to dye cloths such as lava lava print, print t-shirt to sewing dresses, to hand made necklaces, ear rings, and false flowers made of plastic foam, and bangles.

“I started by selling to friends and family, they became popular, so I built the courage to go out to the market as a vendor, the sales really encouraged me.”

Mrs. Sasali said that she used to be shy selling to tourists but “they have been very supportive, always curious to know more about my craft and myself.”

Mrs. Sasali started building her own network of suppliers, sourcing from trusted individuals, and from the provinces where some of the raw materials such as shells were a lot cheaper.

“I had to really teach myself everything, because it is more than just being able to make handicraft, I had to also understand the business side of it.

“You have to smile even though things are hard, you have to build good relations with people you depend on for supply of what you need, that is all very important.”

Mrs. Sasali says that while her initial motivation was to support her children and grandchildren she now sees it as a business, “so I try to teach myself the business side of things every day and whilst, it has been fun and very rewarding.”

Siale happy with registration in West

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

THE Western Province Registration Manager Christian Siale has commended the smooth registration in the province.

He remarks that it is a sign of an informed populace and good awareness of their rights.

“At this point, I now call upon my good people of the province who are yet to register to please go to the nearest registration centre within your constituency to register yourself.

“The final date of registrations will be on September 27. Please know that this is the only key for you to exercise your democratic right as an eligible citizen in the upcoming national general elections.

“I’d like to thank my hard working Registration Officers and your respective teams for your willingness and patience in undertaking this national duty you are being assigned with.

“Also, my gratitude to the responsible authorities of the various communities in hosting and looking after the registration teams.

“More so, I’d like to acknowledge and thank the Western Provincial Executive and Provincial Secretary for the understanding and support rendered especially in permitting the officers involved in this registration exercise.”

Siale then extended his gratitude to the Chief Electoral Officer, Operations Manager and Staff of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission for their continuous administrative and logistical support.

“Without the tremendous support rendered by everyone, we would not have reached this far. We look forward to receiving the same as we are now gearing towards completion.”

Tourism Solomons and Solomon Airlines – key partnership

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

SOLOMON Airlines has been working closely with the national tourist office in promoting the country as a tourism destination which shows progress in international and domestic flights.

Recently, Solomon Airlines signed a deal with national tourism office which resulted in airline operating an Airbus A320 on its four weekly services between Brisbane and Honiara and to Nadi, Fiji; Port Vila, Vanuatu, and Tarawa in Kiribati.

Furthermore, major developments taking place within last 18 months have included signing of watershed codeshare agreements with Qantas Airways, Air Niugini and Fiji Airways.

According to the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau such gives Solomon Airlines access to a huge international network encompassing Australia and New Zealand, Asia, North America and Europe.

The national carrier also provides a vital domestic air lifeline for some 600,000 Solomon Islanders living in this archipelago of some 990 islands as well as ease of access for the 25,000 or so international visitors Solomon Islands attracts every year.

This extensive domestic network is operated by a Dash 8 – 102 between the nation’s capital of Honiara to Seghe, Munda, Gizo, Kira and Santa Cruz while Twin Otters operate to all other ports.

Meanwhile, a new development for Tourism Solomons and Solomon Airlines is Solomon Airlines to operate Airbus A-320 into Munda.

It said Solomon Airlines’ decision to fully incorporate Munda as a main port of entry for the Solomon Islands has seen the Western Province airfield transformed into the country’s second major air gateway.

Also the national carrier expected to commence a Brisbane-Munda-Honiara-Brisbane service operating on Saturday’s before the end of 2018.

The improvements to the Munda Airport are intended to bring a range of benefits, it said.

This is particularly from increased passenger movements, increased tourism to the Western Province and points beyond, improved safety for larger aircraft, increased aviation freight and further government revenue from the aviation sector.

PM leaves to attend UNGA today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Hon Rick Houenipwela.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela today leaves for the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

The UNGA will convene on Monday next week during which the Prime Minister is expected to join other world leaders at the Opening Plenary Meeting.

The Prime Minister will also be delivering a statement at the Concordia Annual Summit; a Session on “Transforming vulnerable Small Islands toward greater economic resilience through innovative financing and strategic partnerships”.

Later on Monday evening, Prime Minister Houenipwela and Madame Rachel Houenipwela will also attend a reception hosted by United States President Donald Trump.

The Prime Minister will also briefly meet with President Trump during the reception.

On Tuesday next week, Houenipwela is invited to deliver a statement on strategies to eliminate Malaria in Solomon Islands and the Melanesian region.

On Thursday next week, the Prime Minister will also deliver another statement at the High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases in the pacific region.

The Prime Minister will then deliver the country’s national statement at the UNGA on Friday next week.

Prime Minister Houenipwela will also be having several bilateral meetings during the margins of the UNGA.

Foreign Affairs Minister Milner Tozaka who will also be accompanying the Prime Minister will also be delivering statements on several high level dialogues.

Tozaka will be attending and delivering a statement at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit, Climate Change and Security Dialogues and other meetings.

Tozaka will also be involved in separate bilateral meetings.

The Prime Minister and his delegation will return from New York on September 29.

–OPMC PRESS

Follow healthy living habits to prevent parasite infection

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

PARASITOLOGISTS from Kaohsiung Medical University’s Department of Parasitology have conducted practical training programmes at three schools on Guadalcanal province.

According to the Taiwan Health Centre in Honiara, intestinal parasites are widespread in tropical and sub-tropical areas to which Solomon Islands is no exception.

Hence, the recent coordination of intestinal parasite prevention seed teacher training workshop and health awareness at Mbokona Community High School, St Nicholas College and Visa Community High School.

During the workshops, the two experts, Professor June-Der Lee and Jiun-Jye Wang introduced Amoeba, Malaria and intestinal parasites, prevention measures and carried out practical training programmes.

They also voiced that healthy living habits and hygiene are vital factors to parasite infection prevention.

Dr Lee and Wang urges students and communities to follow healthy living habits such as washing of hands before eating, before and after using the toilet, drinking boiled water and making sure that feet are covered by wearing slippers or footwear to avoid parasite infection .

Reduction in parasitic infection in Visale

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Professor June-Der Lee made a presentation on Parasite infection on Thursday

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Professor June-Der Lee made a presentation on Parasite infection on Thursday

THE Taiwan Health programme has made a drastic change towards reduction of parasites infection among children and youths of the Visale community school.

Taiwan Health Centre in Solomon Islands through the Parasites Prevention project has support the Visale Community High School in health education around personal hygiene.

Since its implementation in 2011—2017, it was reported parasite infection among children and youths were seen big jump from 73.85 percent of parasite cases in 2011 have reduced to 7.67 percent in 2017.

The type of parasite cases Taiwan expert deals with includes Ascaris lumbricoides, Hook worm, Strongyloides sterocoralis, Trichruris trichiura, Entameba coli and Entamoeba hartmanni—infected rates range from 100 to 300 cases.

Taiwan’s Professor June-Der Lee said the result is from the collaborative efforts from the Taiwan Health Centre and Visale Community including other projects initiated under Taiwan Government and Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital.

“With years’ effort from school and authorities, the students’ parasite infectious rate is dropped significantly from 62 percent to 7.69 percent in Visale Community High School,” Dr Lee said.

“Although we achieve big reduction for parasite cases, we still want to work closely with Visale for further reduction of parasite infection rate to lower as 0.1 percent,” he adds.

To communities in Solomon Islands which the project is not reaching, it is important to follow prevention measure introduces by the Taiwan Health experts.

They said parasite infection is harmful and severity to children but it can be prevented through applying the preventive measures below;

  • Avoid touching soil that might be contaminated with human feces
  • Wash hands with water and soap before eating or preparing food
  • Wash, cook or peel vegetable and fruits before eating
  • Take good care of your personal hygiene and food handling
  • Wash and cook your food
  • Wash hands after using toilets and before eating or preparing food
  • Do not walk barefoot or touch soils in areas hookworms are common
  • Human faces should not be used as fertiliser in agriculture
  • Cook meat at above 60 degree Celsius until it is no longer pink inside—alternatively freeze meat at below -5 degree Celsius for a few days
  • Prevent cattle/pigs from eating in areas where vegetation might be contaminated with human faeces.

Schools’ cooperation essential for parasite awareness

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Mr Jiun-Jye Wang, Ms Hui-Yu Hsu, Taiwan Health Center leader and Professor June-Der Lee.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Mr Jiun-Jye Wang, Ms Hui-Yu Hsu, Taiwan Health Center leader and Professor June-Der Lee.

TWO Taiwanese experts from Kaohsiung Medical University’s Department of Parasitology through Taiwan Health Centre in Honiara on Sept 17 held a Parasite Seed Teacher Training workshop at St Nicholas College.

The workshop began with an introduction of parasites and care by National Referral Hospital’s Director of Nursing, Selwyn Hou.

This was followed by a talk on Parasites Health Education by Jiun-Jye Wang before Dr June-Der Lee carried out training for teachers on Malaria, Amoeba and Specimen collection.

Jiun-Jye Wang’s talk on “Parasites health education” focused on various parasites and their prevention measures.

Students, staff and teachers present at the workshop got to know about different names of parasites, how they are contracted and what to do to avoid infection.

Wang briefly talked about parasites namely; Ascaris lumbricoides (Giant roundworm), Enterobius Vermicularis (pinworm), Hookworm, Taenia Saginata (Beef tapeworm), Taenia Solium (Pork tapeworm), Diphyllobothrium Latum (fish tapeworm) and Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm).

Stressing on, Ascaris lumbricoides or “Giant Roundworm”, he said that it occurs globally but is most common in tropical and subtropical countries.

Wang added that the parasite is highly prevalent in areas of poor sanitation and where human faeces are used as fertilizer.

He stressed that to prevent infection from Ascaris lumbricoides, you must avoid touching soil that might be contaminated with human faeces, wash your hands with soap and water before eating or preparing food and wash, cook, or peel vegetables and fruits before consumption .

Speaking to the paper yesterday, Wang voiced that it is important for schools to be aware about parasites and how to avoid infection, most especially by education young children about personal hygiene.

He said once they grasp the concept, they will be able to maintain it as they grow older thus contribute to the reduction of parasite infection cases.

Wang furthered that they look forward to working with other schools and emphasised that solid cooperation with schools is essential so that they can work together to raise awareness while at the same time promote personal hygiene.

Symptoms of parasite intestinal infection more severe for children than adults

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

SYMPTOMS of parasite intestinal infections is more severe in infants and children than adults, it is reported.

This is according to Professor June-Der Lee, from the Department of Parasitology of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUH) in Taiwan.

Speaking to the media yesterday at the Taiwan Health Centre in Honiara, he explained how one case of parasite intestinal infection can upset a child’s nutritional intake and lead to more serious condition.

Professor Lee stressed on intestinal obstruction as an example.

He said that when there are so many round worms (Ascaris lumbricoides) in the small intestine it will lead to a disease known as intestinal obstruction.

In relation, Professor Lee expressed that this leads to the child’s inability to absorb any nutrient because most of the nutrients are absorbed by the roundworms.

Eventually, he said this results in malnutrition.

“Sometimes intestinal obstruction causes death,” said Professor Lee.

The expert from Taiwan with colleague, June-Jye Wang both from KMUH will be in the country for two weeks.

Already they have conducted intestinal parasite prevention awareness and teacher training workshops in three schools in Guadalcanal province.

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