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MHMS, WHO prepare and urge communities to learn about Nipah virus

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen Nipah virus surveillance, laboratory readiness and rapid response systems through the Public Health Emergency and Surveillance Unit (PHESU).

Island Sun reached out to MHMS on Thursday following the Nipah virus issue, but did not get a response till a press statement was issued later that evening on the issue.

According to the MHMS press statement, PHESU is monitoring global developments and ensuring frontline health workers and points of entry staff are informed and vigilant.

Though no case has been detected in the country, it is important to be aware, prepared and prevent the virus since it has increased global attention.

Since there are no direct flights from Kolkata to Honiara, it reduces the likelihood of imported cases into the country, therefore risk remains low.

MHMS urges communities to remain informed about Nipah virus, calling on community leaders, churches, schools, and local organisations to play a key role in sharing accurate information and preventing misinformation. This is to ensure information is obtained from trusted sources.

Health facilities throughout the country are reminded to maintain infection prevention and control practices and to promptly report any unusual clusters of illness.

In India the national and state health teams and the public health response said there is no evidence of increased human-to-human transmission.

There are two confirmed cases in West Bengal by two health workers. Though about 200 contacts were traced out of the two cases, they tested negative for Nipah virus and are without symptoms.

This is India’s 7th documented Nipah outbreak. It has the capacity to contain such outbreaks, as demonstrated in previous outbreaks. WHO do not recommend any travel and/or trade restrictions toward India based on the currently available information.

Nipah virus is transmitted from animals to humans, it can also be transmitted through contaminated food or directly from human contact. The hosts of this virus are fruits bats, with evidence that it can also infect pigs, dogs, cats and others.

In 1998 an outbreak of Nipah virus was first identified in Malaysia during an outbreak among pig farmers. The following year it was reported in Singapore, this is due to the importation of sick pigs from Malaysia.

One can be infected and show symptoms between 4 – 21 days, but according to research by the UK Research Security Agency time frame can also be longer. Infected people initially develop symptoms that include fever, headaches, myalgia, vomiting, and sore throat.

There are no drugs or vaccines for Nipah virus infection, therefore it is identified as a priority disease for the WHO Research and Development Blueprint. Intensive supportive care is recommended to treat severe respiratory and neurologic complications.

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Tawaimare school resumes classes after bad weather 

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Tawaimare Community High School in West Are’are, Malaita province has resumed classes after it was forced to close last week due to bad weather.

Last week Solomon Islands was placed under an Orange Alert in which heavy rains and strong winds were warned across the whole country.

Tawaimare CHS was one of the schools across the country which had to close due to the high risk posed on its students and staff.

The Deputy Principal of Tawaimare Community High School, Abraham Taloinao in an interview Friday last week said they have started their academic year and were only able to give few lessons to the students before they were forced to close.

“We have started our normal academic classes this week with a few lessons, but because the bad weather didn’t allow us, we postponed.

“But as the bad weather is now slowly moving away, we are resuming our normal classes this week,” he said.

He said that this week is a grace period for late registration for students who have not come to school and completed their registration due to the bad weather.

“This week, we have opened a grace period for late registration for those who live very far from the school, such as students from Tawaimare,” he said.

Taloinao said the school can be in full swing with its programs if all students are registered. 

He said the school can’t start once the parents haven’t completed their students’ registration. 

“We can fully swing into our full program if parents have enrolled their children on time,” he said. 

Meanwhile, it is understood that most primary and secondary schools in Malaita Province will start their classes this week.

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Stay informed – preventive measures towards Nipah virus

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BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA

Following the outbreak of the Nipah virus in India, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has issued preventive measures and ways to reduce the spread of Nipah virus if circulated in communities.

Although chances of the Nipah virus to reach the country remains low, MHMS issued a press statement detailing preventive measures.

They include;

–           Avoid bat-to-human transmission

–           Cover date palm sap collection sites with bamboo skirts or other protective coverings.

–           Wash and peel fruits: Clean fruits thoroughly and peel them before eating.

–           Ensure that any fruit that looks like it’s been bitten by bats it is properly disposed, away from other humans and animals.

–           Prevent animal-to-human transmission

–           Use gloves and protective clothing when handling sick animals or during farm work.

–           Limit contact with pigs that may be infected.

–           When setting up pig farms in areas where fruit bats live, keep pig feed and sheds covered to prevent bat contamination.

–           Don’t touch or stay too close to people infected with Nipah virus without protection.

–           Practice regular handwashing, especially after caring for or visiting sick individuals.

–           Health workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed infection, or handling specimens from them, should always implement standard infection control precautions.

–           As human-to-human transmission has been reported in health-care settings, contact and droplet precautions should be used in addition to standard precautions. Airborne precautions may be required in certain circumstances.

–           Samples from people and animals suspected of having Nipah virus infection should be handled by trained staff working in suitably equipped laboratories.

Symptoms of the Nipah virus includes fever, headache, difficulty breathing or coughing, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea.

MHMS’s press statement was released since there is an increase of global attention towards the Nipah virus outbreak in India. Reports show that only two health workers infected while others who came into contact with them tested negative.

The Ministry of Health is working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen surveillance, laboratory readiness and rapid response systems through the Public Health Emergency and Surveillance Unit (PHESU).

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Rapid action plan to fix Honiara’s key road networks

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BY ALICE CAMPBELL

Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s (MID) Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) has finalised an action plan to carry out urgent repairs and restoration works starting this week.

This is in response to the severe damage done to Honiara’s key road networks by last week’s bad weather, MID statement yesterday said.

The following road networks have been identified for immediate intervention to ensure ease of movement across the city and road safety.

Road Restoration and Sealing

· Mbokonavera Road: A variation is being expedited to allow a contractor to road sections where previous quantities have been exhausted. This is treated as a high-priority zone.

· Hibiscus Avenue: (the backroad from Townground to Pt. Cruz Hotbread roundabout) urgent relief work will commence this week whilst work to finalize a contract for permanent asphalting is underway.

· Vura Road: Relief work is underway from Vura 1 to Vura 3. It will transition into a permanent sealing project under the 2026 National Transport Fund (NTF) work plan. The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (CAUSE II) will carry out the full rehabilitation from the Kukum SDA bus stop to the Naha Police Station intersection.  

· Kobito Bridge Repairs—urgent repair works to be carried out, while a full reinstatement project will be carried out under the CAUSE II Project.

Highway Maintenance and Major Arterial

· Honiara Highway Lot 1: A dual strategy is in place. Immediate relief for now while new a contract will provide a permanent fix.

· MID/HCC Pedestrian Crossing: Excavation and concreting has resumed on the section towards the pedestrian crossing and remains ongoing.

· Lekaboli Road (Chiefs Haus-ITA Hardware backroad): Contractor to resume excavation for a common utility trench, which will be immediately followed by road surface works.

· Honiara Highway Lot 2 (Vura to White River): Relief works will continue from Commonwealth Street to the Honiara City Council (HCC) roundabout until this section is fully covered under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP).

Emergency Reconnection and Relief Works

· Tanaeba Bridge (Kohi) reinstatement: This has been classified as critically urgent. A contractor should be mobilized on-site to commence reinstatement works to reconnect the bridge and other multi-cell culverts for Northwest Guadalcanal Road.

· White River to Savo Market repairs: Work is underway to carry out relief works on this high-traffic short strip. Priority will be to address the drainage first, as one challenge is dealing with private properties that blocked the easements.

· Tanakake to Panatina: TIMSD is following up with a contractor to address the deteriorating conditions currently affecting road users for this sealed road stretch.

“All works are urgent interventions.

“We have directed all job managers to fast-track documentation for procurement. While we are pushing for immediate action, we ask for the public’s patience as contractors mobilize to sites now that weather warnings (rain and wind) are cancelled.

“Again, budget remains a challenge; nevertheless, we remain committed to maintaining Honiara’s key road networks for ease of movement, connectivity, flow of business and road safety,” the statement said.

All other road improvement projects funded under the government’s development budget for this year (both Honiara and provinces) will be announced shortly.

Photo: MID

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Decentralising constituency administration ensures alignment with needs of rural communities

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Decentralising constituency administration ensures development remains transparent, responsive, and aligned with the needs of rural communities.

Member of Parliament for Gizo-Kolombangara, JimsonTanangada said this during the official opening Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) offices on December 22 – 28 in Ringgi on Kolombangara Island.

Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) issued a statement on January 31 which said that this milestone marks a significant step towards strengthening administration; governance, expanding access to essential services for rural people, improving service delivery and ensuring sustainable development within the constituency.

Tanangada affirmed that decentralising constituency administration ensures development remains transparent, responsive, and aligned with the needs of rural communities.

“These facilities aim to ensure more efficient and effective engagement with constituents and better support for community development initiatives,” he said.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, John Misite’e, acknowledges the effort by MP Tanandaga and his constituency for the milestone achievement, and for taking the lead in establishing offices in the constituency.

He said that such strategic initiative signals a strong commitment by GKC to strengthen administration, governance; bringing services closer to the people.

He further highlighted that the offices will be manned by constituency officers and will serve multiple purposes, including:

  • Organizing and managing constituency development programs
  • Coordinating community projects and support services
  • Providing consultation spaces for community leaders, farmers, fishermen, women, youth groups, and private sector representatives
  • Facilitating access to development information, funding opportunities, and government programs
  • Supporting capacity building, training, and skills development
  • Acting as a hub for support in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and business sectors.

The MRD statement said the establishment of the Constituency Development Offices is a mandatory requirement under Section 9 of the CDF Act 2023.

The opening ceremony was attended by Western Provincial Government representatives, community members, constituents and stakeholders who expressed their support and optimism for the positive impact these offices will have on the constituency.

Photo: Supplied

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PM attends Troika Meeting

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele representing Solomon Islands as Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) attended the PIF Troika meeting in Brisbane late last month.

Speaking to local media during his first press conference for 2026 yesterday, he said the Troika meeting brought together the current, incoming, and outgoing Forum Chairs and provided an opportunity for leaders to take stock of regional matters following the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting held in Honiara last year.

Manele said discussions were focused on the Review of the Regional Architecture (RRA) and the PIF leaders’ communique.

The RRA is an ongoing process that was initiated by PIF leaders back in 2019 to restructure regional institutions, particularly Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agencies so as to deliver on 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Manele said as PIF Chair, Solomon Islands emphasised on the importance of unity, dialogue, and consensus within the Forum, particularly at a time when the region continues to face shared challenges, including climate impacts, economic pressures, and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

“This engagement reflects Solomon Islands’ ongoing responsibility as Forum Chair and our role in contributing to collective Pacific leadership, while remaining mindful of our national priorities and circumstances,” he said.

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Public warned against pyramid scheme F-Mobile

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) warns the public against the pyramid scheme operating as F-Mobile.

F-Mobile is not licensed, regulated or authorised by CBSI to collect deposit or offer any form of investment service in Solomon Islands, a CBSI statement yesterday said.

CBSI urges members of the public not to provide money or personal information to this entity or to any individual promoting it.

CBSI in the meantime wishes to alert the general public about the fraudulent operation identified as a pyramid scheme.

CBSI has received reports that F-Mobile is soliciting funds from members of the public with promises of unusually high and quick financial returns, primarily through the recruitment of new participants rather than through legitimate business activities, the statement said.

It further adds that such schemes are illegal and unsustainable, and they inevitably result in financial losses for most participants.

The public is strongly advised that pyramid schemes typically operate by, promising high returns with little or no risk, relying on the continuous recruitment of new members to pay earlier participants, require buy-in or subscription fees, lacking genuine underlying business activities or products that generate real income, collapsing once recruitment slows, leaving the majority of investors at a loss; and use testimonials and “success stories” to lure members.

The Central Bank further reminds the public to exercise caution and due diligence before engaging in any investment opportunity. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it is likely.

CBSI said anyone who has been approached by F-Mobile or similar schemes is encouraged to report the matter to them, Solomon Islands Financial Intelligence Unit (SIFIU) or the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) for further investigation.

CBSI remains committed to safeguarding the financial system and protecting the public from fraudulent and misleading financial activities.

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Fiu and Kelakwai road washed away by flood, calls for help

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

A call has been made for the urgent repair of the Fiu and Kelakwai Veda Road in Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province which was washed away by floods last week.

The road was first dug into half on Wednesday (Jan 28) and was later cut off as bad weather continued. 

Community leader, Jason Siru said the road has split by 10 metres, making it nearly impossible for anyone to cross on foot.

He said due to the cut-off, farmers, vehicle owners and the entire population of Fiu and Kelakwai communities have had to pay a sum of $100 per day to use the Kunu access road. 

He added that students and staff of Gwaigeo Rural Training Centre and the secondary school are among those most affected.

“At first, since Wednesday last week, the road was dug up by the flash flood from the Fiu River halfway. The flood continued on Thursday and Friday, completely cutting off the road.

“The road splintered about 10 metres apart, which nobody can possibly cross.

“So, the most affected people are the students and staff of Gwaigeo Rural Training Centre and secondary school,” he said.

Meanwhile, Siru appeals to the responsible authorities to quickly step in to fix the road as it has caused a lot of inconvenience for their daily routines. 

He said they have been feeling the effects of the damaged road in having to pay fees, which should be taken into consideration by the authorities. 

“We are suffering now because every day we have to pay $100 before using the disputed access road at Kunu.

“So, we are calling on the authorities to quickly fix the road as it is the main route that our market vendors use to transport their produce,” he said.

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Goshen aims to do shipment this year 

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Goshen Enterprise, the only taro dealer and exporter in the country, aims to send one shipment of its taro products to Australia this year.

This will be a major step forward for the business, as it recovered after covid-19.

In an interview with Island Sun yesterday, Managing Director of Goshen Enterprise, Levite Luciano Maesimae said he is planning to improve productivity and do at least one shipment this year.

To kick-start the process, he encourages taro farmers to supply more taros to his packhouse in Adaliua, near Auki, Malaita Province.

He said an increased supply can improve its domestic distribution, like the Bulk-shop in Honiara.

“I want to encourage my taro farmers to supply more taros to our taro packhouse at Adaliua, so that we can focus on domestic distributions.

“We must try our best to do any shipment this year and achieve our goal,” he said.

Maesimae said they can taro from Ata’a in the Baegu Asifola constituency, from Wairaha in the West Are’are, and also in East Are’are.

He said most of his farmers are from the highlands and so they have to carry their supply of  taro on their shoulders to reach road access.

Hence, he said one challenge his farmers face is transporting the crop to the packhouse.

To address such challenges, he suggests improvement in logistics and creating more incentives to support the farmers.

Photo: Supplied

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With budget in place, emphasis in 2026 is on implementation: PM

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Following the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Act and with the budget in place, the emphasis for this year is on implementation.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele gave a brief take on this whilst speaking to the media yesterday.

“At the national level, the Government enters 2026 following the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Act.

“With the budget now in place, the emphasis for this year is on implementation, within the realities of available resources, institutional capacity, and external conditions,” he said.

Manele said last week, the Policy Implementation Monitoring Evaluation Unit at OPMC held a week-long policy review workshop with Permanent Secretaries and senior officials of all line ministries.

The Prime Minister said this is to improve government policy implementation through programmes and projects in the most efficient and cost-effective ways and through improved coordination.

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