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Rural health care of pregnant women, mothers and children

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, more than three years ago World Vision in the Solomon Islands reported that the country’s nurse aid posts and rural health clinics chronically lacked essential equipment and medicine to save mothers and children’s lives

As one reads more and more of the dilapidated and run down state of the county’s rural health clinics I begin to wonder how much more are pregnant women and mothers and children seeking medical assistance in the rural communities scattered across the country getting the help they need from humanitarian organizations in the Solomon Islands like World Vision?

The maternal mortality rate in the Solomon Islands was quoted by World Vision as 100 deaths per 100,000, compared with 1 in 4, 4700 in more wealthy countries.

It was known World Vision was previously working with communities to establish Village Health Volunteers who could assist pregnant women as they prepared to give birth safely and also educate them about maternal and child health issues.

I would hope that Village Health Volunteers trained by World Vision are still able to provide health advice to families and also available to encourage pregnant women to do antenatal check-ups and to prepare for the delivery of their babies.

Perhaps World Vision could comment on the work currently being done to aid pregnant women, mothers and children given what is currently known about the continuing reports of abandoned rural health clinics and in the light of the fact that the Prime Minister had vowed to give priority to rural health clinic problems on assuming office.

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

Fiji women’s crisis centre wins humanitarian award

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, quoting from Radio New Zealand International – February 20, 2018

“The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre says funding from a humanitarian award will help extend its work in Fiji and the region.

“The centre provides counselling as well as legal, medical and other support for women and children who are survivors of violence.

“The centre won $US8000 as part of the Australian National University’s 2018 Mitchell Humanitarian award.

“Director Shamima Ali said that money was on top of its main funders, Australia and New Zealand.

“She said the #metoo campaign had shone the global spotlight on domestic and workplace violence against women and more work was needed.

“It is not just the workplace, it is schools, it is on the streets, and in our own homes by our own relatives. It is a good campaign to really raise awareness globally but in the Pacific we have really been working on it and this just gives us another push.”

“The award recognises individuals or organisations supported by Australian aid who make outstanding contributions.” Copyright:   RNZI.   (All Rights Reserved)

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

RSIPF EOD safely remove 5 bombs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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1 x US 5 inck MK35 projectile was removed at White River.

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team has successfully removed unexploded ordnance (UXO) from three locations in Honiara and Henderson area on Tuesday.

Officer In-Charge (OIC), RSIPF EOD, Inspector Clifford Tunuki says, “My team has responded to three sightings of UXO, two in Honiara and one in the Henderson area.

“One US 5 inch MK35 projectile was removed from the White River area in West Honiara; two UXO’s, 1 x US 105 mm High Explosive (HE) with 1 x US 75mm HE projectile were removed from Henderson area and two UXO known as US 81mm moda confiscated by Honiara City Council Enforcement officers from two males at Honiara Central Market and handed to the EOD. This is a total of five UXOs safely removed and all taken to EOD for safe storage at Hells Point for destruction.

“The message to general public, if you find any UXO, do not touch it or remove it, instead report it to any nearest police station or call our Police Communication on phone number 23666 or free toll line 999, or call directly our on-duty officers on mobile phone number 7495215.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Voters call for Wale to visit constituency

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

CONCERNED voters of the Aoke-Langalanga constituency in Malaita province, are calling on their member of parliament (MP) to visit them.

Speaking on their behalf, a Mr Jay Walelifu said their MP, Mr Matthew Wale, has not visited the constituency for more than three years.

“Your term in office almost over and your plans and visions for the constituency is not known to us where no visitations and meetings concerning the constituency’s development budget and plans.

“As far as I am concerned only the constituency development officer (CDO) sometimes visited the constituency but not our MP.

“We call on our MP to clarify to us the projects that he has promised to us agriculture farmers in Aoke Langalanga that is still yet to be carried out and implemented.

“We call on the MP to come down in the constituency and hold talks with his voters and the people of Aoke Langalanga about the future of the constituency.

“I believe for four years there are no visits made by the MP.

“We acknowledge Mathew Wale for a fine job through implementing fishery projects and housing schemes within the constituency.”

More people benefit from Kukum clinic late hours

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Clinical nurse incharge Micheal Kafaniro (left) with Peter Kodere treating a patient.
Clinical nurse incharge Micheal Kafaniro (left) with Peter Kodere treating a patient.

THE extended opening hours of Kukum Clinic is progressing well as patients continue to seek medical service during the night.

Since its inception, clinical nurse in charge of the late shift Mr Micheal Kafaniro said patients have turned up.

“For a start, patients from surrounding areas have came forward and still it’s progressing.

“I believe others are yet to understand and to be informed about the extended hours, but so far we have received patients as far as GPOLL,” he said.

Kafaniro said there hasn’t been much pressure on the workload but if there is a high demand, then a request will be submitted to HCC for consideration.

Following a brief visit by the

Deputy Mayor and Chairman for Health Mr Charles Aiwosuga was impressed by what he saw during a recent brief visit.

“I’m pleased to see how things have turned out and this will really be beneficial to everyone requiring medical services after hours.

“Even though many have yet to be aware about the services, for a start it is progressing and I believe in a few weeks time, people will be fully aware about the opening hours,” he added.

He thanked all clinical staffs for their service in providing a better health to the City.

Aiwosuga further urged the public to continue to respect the clinic and staffs during the late hours.

–HCC PRESS

Choiseul’s Tavula ward needs a MPA

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) Permanent Secretary Mr Stanley Pirione

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THE Tavula ward, north east of Choiseul province is without a member of provincial assembly (MPA) since its MPA passed away last year.

And, the national ministry of provincial government (MPGIS) says it is not aware of the death of the MPA.

Rev Marshall Sanga of Vurango on behalf of locals at Northwest Choiseul question why there has been prolonging of time when they also want a chance for a by-election to have a leader.

“If there is no by-election to take place then at least we want the process of Ward Grant allocations to continue being released for Tavula through the Ward Committee to provide service,” said Mr Sanga.

Provincial Secretary (PS) of Choiseul Province Mr Jeffery Pakipota when contacted over the concern said that there has been recent registration process as provincial elections for both West and Choiseul provinces are soon to take place.

“But if there was for any by-election to take place then it would be MPGIS to deal in this area financially with resources,” said Pakipota.

In terms of ward grants, the Provincial PS said no one is stopping the Ward to apply for any area of development as the Administration can administer it for them. It is the provincial treasurer’s area to deal with such concern.

“I believe there is assistance awarded to Ward citizens given if their MPA is not present,” said Pakipota.

Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) Permanent Secretary (PS) Mr Stanley Pirione when queried over the concern said no official report of the MPA’s passing away has been received by him, adding that the information is new.

“Maybe an official report is yet on process but I have not yet received one,” said Pirione.

Solomon Islands a leading reformer in the Pacific

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

SOLOMON Islands has been affirmed to be a leading reformer in the Pacific region due to being actively seeking and implementing reforming initiatives.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Head in SI Mr Amila Salgado announced this during his speech on the recent launching of the SI State Own Enterprises (SOE) website in Honiara.

He said the initiative was significantly supported by the Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI) through its funds which Solomon Islands has received the largest share at around $4.8million.

Salgado said the SI government has also made important progress in placing its SOEs on a commercial footing since the enactment of the SOE Act in 2007.

He adds, the implementation of regulations supporting director selection and community services obligations has been instrumental in the dramatic improvement in SOE performances in recent years and the government is to be commended for these efforts.

Gov’t labels veteran journo’s article as ‘false rumour’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
UNDER THE COVER OF DARKNESS

THE Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) has called on Mr Alfred Sasako to refrain from spreading false rumours.

A statement from the SIDCCG says the fabricated information penned by Sasako is intended to create division, confusion and animosity amongst Government and the general public.

It highlighted that Sasako’s article on Monday this week is not only misleading but also contains factual errors.

The statement says it is a reflection of the quality of Journalism practised by him.

It said the Government also wishes to assure the citizens of this country that the 2018 budget preparations are progressing well and will be passed according to the programmes and plans of the government.

“The SIDCCG assures the public that contrary to what was published by Sasako, the Prime Minister has the full support of all members of the parties in the Coalition including the Deputy Prime Minister. The SIDCCG calls on the general public to ignore the self-centred rants of Mr Sasako.

“At a time when nation building is a priority, Mr Sasako wants to create division.

“It seems the agenda of Mr Sasako is to drive a wedge between the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. Furthermore, Mr Sasako for reasons only known to him, seems to be disgruntled with the Kadere Party as most of Mr Sasako’s unsubstantiated press releases are designed to bring disrepute to Kadere Party,” the statement added.

–OPMC PRESS

Russia seeks support in bid to host World-Expo

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Gary Hatigeva

THE Russian delegation that arrived in the country on Monday has held thorough talks with the national government through relevant ministries in an attempt to gain support for its bid to host the World-Expo in 2025.

The group met with top government officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Ministry and other relevant Ministries where discussions were centred on their proposition.

In an interview with the Permanent Secretary of the Tourism Ministry, Andrew Nihopara explained that the delegation headed by Russia’s Ambassador to Australia presented the candidacy of the city of Ekaterinburg to host the World Expo between May 2 and November 2, 2025.

The meeting heard that if earned the right to host, Russia has projected to set its main focus on the developing countries, under the theme “Changing the World: Inclusive Innovations for Our Children and Future Generations”.

The delegation also highlighted some of their objectives to promote and understand the markets and settings of anticipated participating countries.

With fast growing developments in the area of technology in the first world, Russia is also intending to look at how best they can best include the developing nations to fit in and interact with these various settings in the future.

The delegation was told that what’s highlighted in the meeting was a clear opportunity to expand the reach and market of the country’s tourism sector, however any decisions on it will depend very much on cabinet.

Nihopara said his ministry acknowledges the group’s presentation on their bid to host the expo, but clarified that no commitment of support was made at the meeting.

“Any decisions on this will rest entirely on cabinet to make, but yes, we do appreciate and acknowledge them for the presentation of their bid document, and we can only wish them luck in their submission,” the Permanent Secretary further explained.

It is understood that another group is also accompanying the New Zealand-based Russian Federation Ambassador Valery Tereschenko who held visits to the eastern Polynesian region.

Last week, a similar presentation of the candidacy of their city, Ekaterinburg was made to the Prime Minister of Samoa and his cabinet, by the Chief Executive Officer to be the host country for the global event of the Ekaterinburg Bid Committee who was part of a delegation of four officials presented their bid,.

The election for the host country will be made in June this year.

Business and schools closed over tension in Gizo

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Gizo Community High School

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

WESTERN Province Premier Mr Wayne Maepioh has declared the closure of schools and bottle shops in Gizo and nearby islands, until further notice.

Businesses have also closed for safety purposes following yesterday’s incident.

Maepioh’s decision is in response to the current tensions in the province following the escape of the group of about 30 Bougainvillean men who were arrested yesterday while on their way to Noro town.

The men had reportedly travelled in three ray-boats to Noro following news of the death of a man, who was part Bougainville, in the town on February 6 this year.

In a press conference yesterday Maepioh said Gizo, Munda and Noro schools and liquor outlets will remain closed, along with public bars and night clubs.

A curfew is also imposed from 10pm to 6am. Police will be questioning people if they move around during those times.

During daytimes, public services such as markets and shops will still continue as normal.

“To my good people of Western Province and elsewhere, as your leader for Western Province has appeal for your cooperation and understanding on the current situation happen in Western Province.

“We understand the issue is with the police and we just wait for the outcome of their discussion with the police. I appeal to the general public to remain calm, avoid suspicious and stop spreading rumors or false information that will escalate the situation.”

Maepio also appeals to the escapees to turn themselves in and let police handle the case of the death of their relative.

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