BY LORETTA B MANELE

This year’s 80th Anniversary of FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) serves as a powerful reminder of Solomon Islands independence especially when the country endured difficult times.

Douglas Yee, National Project Coordinator for Integrated Forest Management Project expressed this whilst delivering remarks on behalf of FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator, Mr. Yangzhou Hu on Monday at Heritage Park Hotel.

He was speaking at Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock’s (MAL) three-tier program which included the launch of MAL’s Corporate Plan (2025-2028), launch of MAL’s first ANAC (Agriculture National Advisory Council) and World Food Day 2025.

Yee said World Food Day is observed on October 16 each year to celebrate the establishment of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

“This year is special in the sense that we also mark the 80th anniversary of FAO’s founding as we come together today, we contemplate this year’s theme “Hand in Hand for Better Food and Better Future”.

“This serves as a powerful reminder of our independence particularly during challenging times such as economic downturns, crises, disasters, but even during prosperous times,” he said.

Yee went on to state that most importantly, the theme calls for global solidarity to create a more sustainable and equitable food system for all.

He added that the theme also underscores the necessity for international collaboration and collective efforts to tackle hunger and malnutrition.

Moreover, Yee said Solomon Islands, as many regions worldwide, faces numerous challenges.

He said the country is progressing through this historical period and have come across difficulties varying from social discord, environmental issues including climate change and pollution, resource depletion to loss of biodiversity.

“Additionally, we face sector-specific challenges such as disruption in supply chains. Overall, the nation is highly susceptible to disasters and is further endangered by its small island economy and threatened for security.

“The rise in sea levels and extreme weather events complicates our ability to cultivate food, safe-guard our resources and ensure food accessibility for all. For island nations, these challenges particularly are ancient and significant, affecting lives, livelihoods and the environment itself,” he said.

Amidst these challenges, Yee said there is support which aims to foster resilience.

He stated that efforts are being made to ensure adaptation in the face of these challenges through various means.

Yee said it is now recognised that initiatives are in place to enhance parametric insurance, for example, as a tool to address catastrophes.

As in the case of food systems, he explained that significant measures have been implemented to create more sustainable and resilient food systems within communities in the Solomon Islands, facilitated by support and assistance in diverse forms.

Yee highlighted that FAO is privileged to accompany Solomon Islands on this journey.

He said FAO works with government agencies, local farmers, fishers and communities to boost food production to improve sustainable farming and fishing practices and guarantee that nutritious food is accessible to all.

Yee mentioned that whether through the introduction of primary resilient crop varieties, or the promotion of sustainable fishing methods, or the support of nutrition programmes for children and families, the organisation is dedicated to nurturing a food source so that Solomon Islands can be food secured.

He pointed out that this demands partnership.

“It demands partnership. The FAO appreciates the opportunity to work alongside the government of Solomon Islands, community organisations, regional partners, to exchange knowledge, mobilise resources and advocate for policies that would ensure this.

“Together we are creating pathways for an improved life today through enhanced food security, thereby laying the groundwork for a brighter future,” said Yee.

In closing remarks, he stressed that as we commemorate World Food Day 2025, we should bear in mind that securing better food for a better future is not merely an objective but a pledge to dignity, health and hope for all.

“By ensuring that every individual has access to food, we not only enhance lives, but also fortify families, communities and ultimately the future of Solomon Islands. I extend my gratitude to everyone for your commitment, your diligent efforts and for uniting in this shared vision. Together, let us persist in striving towards a world where better food is a reality for all,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has reported an alarming increase in patient admissions at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) over the past two years, with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) accounting for the majority of cases.

During a recent parliament session, Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai expressed deep concern over the statistics, emphasising the urgent need to address the growing NCD crisis in the country.

Bosawai revealed that in 2023, out of 3,810 total admissions at NRH, 56 percent (2,149) were male and 44 percent (1,661) female.

He added that 69 percent of these admissions were related to NCDs, including heart diseases, diabetes, kidney complications, brain and central nervous system disorders, and cancers.

He further noted that 69 percent of admissions in the medical ward and 60 percent in the surgical ward were linked to NCD-related conditions, reflecting the widespread impact of these illnesses.

In addition, Bosawai disclosed another concerning trend — a sharp rise in cancer cases.

He said the number of patients attending the cancer day care clinic more than doubled in 2023, increasing by 85 percent compared to the previous year.

Medical records documented 2,183 cases in 2023, up from 382 previously. While this spike could partly be due to improved reporting, the minister said the trend remains “alarming and concerning”.

To address the escalating NCD burden, Dr Bosawai said the MHMS and NRH plan to:

• Create more space, facilities, and technology to care for NCD patients;
• Increase staffing levels; and
• Expand hospital services and supplies.

While acknowledging ongoing efforts to improve healthcare services, the Minister stressed the importance of prevention, warning that NCDs often lead to other serious illnesses, including cancer.

“By preventing or controlling diabetes, you are also preventing other forms of NCDs,” he said.

Bosawai appeals for strong collective action.

“We must all work together to combat the NCD crisis across the country. And I want to say, please—the food!”

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), through the National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Policy and Roadmap 2025-2030, aims to reduce NCD-related deaths by 2040.

As part of the initiative, the ministry is ramping up efforts to improve healthcare services and reach key targets in the fight against NCDs.

The National NCD Policy and Roadmap calls for strengthened leadership and governance at the national, provincial, and community levels. It places a strong emphasis on collaboration with the private sector, community groups, and churches.

During a recent Parliamentary session, Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Paul Bosawai, appealed to all citizens to actively engage in this crucial health campaign.

Bosawai highlighted the ministry’s commitment to improving the quality of care for those living with NCDs, aiming to reduce both morbidity and mortality rates.

The Ministry has set ambitious targets for health centres in Honiara City Council, Guadalcanal, Malaita, and the Western provinces.

These goals include:

• 80 percent of patients requiring diabetic screening at area health centres will be screened appropriately.
• 80 percent of patients with pre-diabetes or newly diagnosed uncontrolled diabetes will receive proper management.
• 50 percent of patients with low to high risk of food-related issues will be managed effectively.

By 2030, he said the target is to ensure that 80% of patients visiting primary health clinics across the country are screened for diabetes if they meet the criteria, with proper care provided for diabetes and food-related issues.

The goals also include:

• 80% of diabetic patients will undergo proper diabetes or foot screening.
• 50% of people with hypertension will have their condition well-controlled.

Bosawai emphasized that achieving these targets will prevent 262 cases of diabetic amputations annually by 2030 and avert 165 deaths related to amputations each year.

Additionally, the Minister also said ministry aims to prevent 2,300 deaths from NCDs by 2040.

“If we achieve 50% hypertension control, we will significantly reduce NCD-related deaths and make a major impact on our targets,” he said.

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) appeals for a joint effort to address the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) crises facing the country.

This is by supporting the implementation of the Multisectoral Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan 2019-2023, which was reviewed by the ministry last year. There are also other relevant health policies in place that need support in the campaign.

Speaking recently in Parliament, Minister for Health, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai said the new NCD policy and roadmap will be implemented and monitored with different strategies in accordance with the National Development Strategy 2016-2035.

He said NCDs are severely affecting us and had some impact on the economy.

Bosowai emphasized that through the implementation of the National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2031, guided by this multisectoral NCD roadmap, there is need for commitment and response from all ministries and everyone to address NCDs.

He added that the effort will see engagement with private sector, churches and communities on NCD activities.

Bosowai said there’s also a recognised emphasis for non-governmental stakeholders to community engagement, involvement, and collaboration using churches as partners in reaching and sustaining NCD community interventions with the provincial health services.

He voiced that by creating healthy settings for our people to live healthy and strive for all people, both young, old, women, men, disabled can achieve their full potential without the threat of NCDs.

“This is because 80 percent of NCD outcomes are determined by non-health-related social, economic, commercial, and environmental determinants that require a solid collaboration and support from other sectors,” he said.

Bosawai reported that based on the ministry’s information system, NCD is among the top five causes of death nationally for both males and females in 2023, and now in 2025.

“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services would like to underscore that we must work together on our multisectoral approach.

“Working together means you as an individual must be careful of the food you eat. That’s how you can contribute to tackle the NCD crises in the country.

“I want you to read the packaging materials of the food, understand before cooking them. You don’t just buy and eat,” he said.

Bosawai said this is because food is the number -one cause of NCDs, and people must take extra cautious about what they eat.

He reiterated the commitment of MHMS through the revised Multisectoral Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan 2019-2023 and relevant policies to establish a society that creates health and an enabling environment with a health system that works closely with communities to promote health and well-being of all.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Agriculture National Advisory Council (ANAC), will play an important role in helping the Ministry of Agriculture overcome challenges related to food, says World Bank Country Manager, Bernard Harborne.

ANAC was approved by Cabinet on June 27, 2024 and formally launched at the Heritage Park Hotel on October, Monday 27th by the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Franklyn Wasi and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Prof. Raluca together with members of the Council, at this year’s World Food Day event.

Speaking at the launch of the ANAC during the World Food Day celebration, Mr Harborne said that there was an interesting report recently released by Save the Children on nutrition and climate in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands (SI) and Vanuatu.

He said that the report brought the challenges the Pacific faces in terms of climate, food production and nutrition of children, either undernutrition or related issues of non-communicable diseases and imported food and ultra-processed food.

“That’s something that clearly the National Advisory Council (ANAC), can really play an important role in helping the Ministry of Agriculture overcome the challenges. The agricultural sector itself is such a critical one, given that 80% of the S.I population live in rural areas,”

“It’s like a sector that you cannot ignore. So, it is so critical to the life of this country. We estimate that there’s a potential of growth and productivity to replace something like $80 million worth, US dollars’ worth of unprocessed agriculture commodities to be grown in this country,” said Harborne.

“And in turn, to really grow the cash crops such as cocoa, copra and kava, which run at about 25 million US dollars every year. So, there’s a real potential here and a real opportunity and the question is how,” he added.

He said that the corporate strategy and the advisory council (ANAC), are really important elements in that support of the ministry.

“We stand ready to support, looking at how we can support you in inclusive production.  Good luck with the hard work ahead and we look to support you in those efforts,” said Harborne.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

While the launch of the first ever Agriculture National Advisory Council (ANAC) reflects a renewed national commitment to strengthen agriculture, as a sector for food and nutrition security, importantly, it is a foundation of economic growth, resilience, and national identity.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative, Prof. Raluca highlighted this at the launch of the ANAC during this year’s World Food Day celebration at Heritage Park Hotel on Monday this week.

She said that the establishment of ANAC was truly a transformative step for the Solomon Islands.

“The country, for the first time, will have a dedicated high-level council that brings together experts, academics, value chain professionals, private sector representatives, to advise the government on matters of agriculture policy, innovation, and development. This initiative demonstrates the government’s forward-looking approach, its vision, recognising that the most powerful solutions emerge when we bring everyone together, everyone around this table,” she said.

She further said that it also reflects the UNDP spirit of leaving no one behind, and engaging farmers, women, youth, and the private sector, alongside government and academia in the sector.

“Agriculture in the Solomon Islands, as we all know, faces complex challenges, from climate change to invasive species, soil degradation, limited market access, and the need to attract young people into farming. ANAC provides a mechanism to confront these challenges head-on by generating evidence-based, science-driven, and inclusive policy advice to guide decision-making,” Prof. Raluca said.

She commends the Minister, the Permanent Secretary, and the entire Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) team for their visionary leadership in bringing the council to life.

Prof. Raluca also acknowledged the Minister for Health and Medical Services, the Permanent Secretary, distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials from government ministries, farmers, agribusiness leaders, women and youth representatives, and partners who were part of the celebration.

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will support the Agriculture National Advisory Council (ANAC) initiative through its partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAL) under the SAFE project partnership, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Prof. Raluca highlighted this at the launch of the ANAC during the World Food Day celebration held at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara this week.

She said that SAFE project aims to safeguard Solomon Islands’ biodiversity and ecosystems by addressing threats such as invasive alien species, unsustainable land use, and land degradation.

“But beyond conservation, the project also focuses on strengthening national institutions and advisory mechanisms, because sustainable agriculture and healthy ecosystems go hand in hand. Supporting the launch of the ANAC, therefore, is squarely within the SAFE project’s objective of enhancing cross-sectoral coordination, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based policy making.

“It helps bridge the worlds of agriculture, biodiversity, and climate resilience, ensuring that the policies we design today will sustain both our people and our planet tomorrow,” she said.

Prof. Raluca said they remain committed to supporting the government and the people of the Solomon Islands in this journey.

“The expertise, experience, and commitment of ANAC will be invaluable in helping the Ministry and the nation navigate the complex but exciting path ahead.

“To the Ministry of Agriculture, congratulations again on this extraordinary step forward. Agriculture continues to be the backbone of Solomon Islands’ economy, not only feeding the nation, but also protecting its natural wealth and empowering citizens. I would argue protecting its identity. UNDP is proud to stand with you today and in the future, as a partner, a supporter, and as a friend,” Prof. Raluca said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Exodus Trade Company is halfway through the 15-kilometre Busurata road maintenance project in Central Kwara’ae Constituency, Malaita Province.

The road maintenance starts from Ambu Junction to Busurata and extends further to Okwala.

It aims to provide better transportation accessibility for rural farmers in the constituency. 

A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) on Tuesday, October 29, 2025 said the contractor is committed to deliver quality workmanship and help build a safer road for the people of Malaita Province.

As of last week, work has reached Aisalinga Village, about 8 km along the route and road maintenance as mentioned should reach completion by the end of November.

On Tuesday afternoon, October 29, Exodus Trade Company unloaded additional machinery to support their other materials that were shipped from Honiara at Auki Jetty.

MID said this will support their ongoing maintenance work on the Busurata Road in Central Kwara’ae, Malaita Province.

Island Sun understands that the company will construct the new Malu’u Market in North Malaita upon completing the 15-kilometre Busurata Road maintenance project.

Busurata Road is one of three roads that need an upgrade and maintenance in Malaita Province funded under the Australian Transport Fund.

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First laser surgery to remove bladder stone without surgical cut on patient achieved at NRH with help of China medical team

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

An operation to remove bladder stones without making a huge surgical cut on a patient was successful at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

Ministry of Health and Medical services (MHMS) proudly announced this in its statement yesterday, highlighting that Solomon Islands now possesses the capability to carry out minimally invasive urinary stone treatments, marking a leap from traditional open surgery to modern minimally invasive technology.

The successful minimally invasive urological surgery, “holmium laser lithotripsy” was carried out at the China-aided NRH comprehensive medical centre by Dr Chen Xulong of the 4th China Medical Team and local surgeon, Dr Augustine Melly.

Cases of people having bladder stones in Solomon Islands is relatively high in men as well as in women and children.

MHMS said in the past, due to limited medical resources, most patients had to undergo open surgery to remove bladder stones — a procedure associated with large incisions, slow recovery, and high risk of complications, causing significant pain and burden for patients.

Holmium laser lithotripsy is currently the mainstream minimally invasive technique for treating urinary stones worldwide.

It allows the fragmentation and removal of bladder stones without opening the bladder, offering notable advantages such as minimal trauma, less bleeding, faster recovery, and reduced infection risk.

With the deepening of China–Solomon Islands medical cooperation, the China Medical Team introduced holmium laser technology to the country, providing local patients with a safer, more efficient, and less invasive treatment option.

The operation was jointly completed by Chinese and Solomon Islands doctors.

During the procedure, both teams worked closely together, engaging in in-depth communication and collaboration on equipment adjustment, energy setting, and lithotripsy techniques.

Dr Melly served as the lead surgeon, while Dr Chen provided technical support and shared professional experience.

The holmium laser device and laser fibers used in the procedure were purchased and delivered from China under the “China–Solomon Islands Urological Minimally Invasive Surgery Center Project”, providing strong hardware support for the successful operation.

Dr Melly and Nurse Densy had recently completed a three-month training programme at the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University in China under the same project. There, they systematically studied and practiced holmium laser and other minimally invasive urological techniques.

Upon returning home, and under the guidance of the Chinese medical team, they successfully completed this surgery — a milestone that demonstrates the localization and practical application of training results, and the positive cycle of “technical support – talent cultivation – results transformation” achieved through China–Solomon Islands medical cooperation.

After the surgery, the patient was transferred to the newly opened urology ward in the CMC for recovery.

The ward’s comfortable environment and advanced facilities provide patients with a safer, more convenient, and patient-centered medical experience.

MHMS said the patient recovered well after the operation and reported no significant discomfort.

Looking ahead, the China Medical Team will continue to assist local hospitals to expand the clinical application of holmium laser technology to include minimally invasive treatments for kidney stones, ureteral stones, and prostatic hyperplasia.

MHMS expressed that this is to help Solomon Islands’ urology services to achieve leapfrog development and enable more local patients to benefit from the achievements of modern medicine.

The health ministry noted that the new CMC is now fully operational, offering a comprehensive range of services including surgeries and inpatient care for specialist treatment. Patients in the Solomon Islands can now access advanced medical procedures and ongoing care close to home in a state-of-the-art facility.

Photo: MHMS

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Four communities on Ranongga island declare no open defaecation status

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Four communities in Ranongga Island, Western Province, have officially been declared as No Open Defaecation (NOD) communities.

Babagea, Retona, Central Buri, and Logha communities proudly celebrated their achievement yesterday in the presence of donor partners, stakeholders, and government representatives who have been instrumental in driving the initiative.

Officials from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), UNICEF, ADRA, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Western Provincial Health Authority, and the Western Provincial Government were among those who travelled to Ranongga to witness the communities’ milestone.

The declaration marks another major success under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (RWASH) Programme, implemented in partnership with UNICEF, DFAT, ADRA, and the Western Provincial Government.

The programme aims to promote healthier communities through improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

The four Ranongga communities are among seven others, including three from Kolombangara Island, expected to achieve NOD status this week.

The celebration highlighted strong community leadership and collective effort under the National Sanitation Sustainability Plan (NSSP), which promotes improved health, hygiene, and sanitation across the Solomon Islands.

Community leaders used the occasion to express their gratitude and share suggestions to further strengthen the project’s sustainability.

Chief of Niubare Community, Rodrick Tikera, thanked all donor partners and the government for their support, saying the declaration represents a new chapter for his people.

“This is a huge achievement for our community. It won’t be easy, but I will guide my people until using toilets becomes part of their daily lives,” he said.

Paul Votu of Central Buri shared similar sentiments, acknowledging that while the process was challenging, the results have been rewarding.

“It’s not easy to change human behaviour overnight, but I believe my people will adapt to this new system to keep our shoreline and bush clean,” Mr Votu said.

Women’s leader from Logha, Nastassia Tuti, expressed joy over her community’s success.

“Logha has beautiful beaches, and this NOD status will help us keep our environment clean and healthy. As a woman, I’m proud of what our community has achieved,” she said.

The event ended with celebration and optimism as communities pledge to sustain their new hygienic practices for a healthier and cleaner future.

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