Health Minister orders ministry to investigate mystery disease affecting children

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) will investigate a virus that caused health implications to a child in Sikaiana, Malaita Outer Islands.

Minister of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Paulson Popora Bosawai, yesterday sent directives and communicated with responsible department heads of the National Referral Hospital (NRH) following Island Sun’s inquiry into the health issue.

Island Sun received the report from Sikaiana three weeks ago.

“I will communicate with the CEO of NRH and the public health director for surveillance. I am now sending directives,” said Minister Bosawai.

“I was not informed of this case. What I know is the outbreak of hand, mouth disease in New Zealand. We may have cases, but they have to meet the definition before we declare,” he said.

The Minister also disclaimed the report that the virus was herpes zoster, a viral infection that causes a painful rash, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.

His response comes following a case which was airlifted from Sikaiana two weeks ago and was later discharged from the NRH pediatric ward last week.

Malaita Province Health Director, David Danitofea, also confirmed to Island Sun yesterday about the case of the airlift two weeks ago from Sikaiana to NRH, upon receiving the report from Sikaiana.

“I can confirm one case that was airlifted from Sikaiana two weeks ago to NRH. We received the reports and we made reference to NRH. However, I’m not really sure about the virus since we have not received any feedback or report from NRH recently concerning the issue,” said Danitofea.

Supervising Nurse and a few nurses at the Children’s Ward told Island Sun yesterday that a child was discharged last week and that it was a herpes zoster virus.

“Herpes usually stems from the body and should have pustules as well,” said Minister Bosawai.

He also explained that in light of the case, there is a need for huge investment to restore health in the country, as it had run down before he took office.

Former Nurse Manager at NRH, Surgery Department, Honiara, 2025 Edward Iuhanisuna said that Herpes zoster can be gradually cured after 14 days, even by swimming using guava leaves.

He said that herpes zoster could viral from any side of the upper head or the neck to the face.

He also mentioned syphilis infection and allergies.

“If there is no infection, then it could be a facial burn with hot water. Allergic burn, due to food or any herpes they might be used on the face or surrounding affected areas. Only syphilis cases, yes, for sure and allergies. That will be seen at birth, even some of their whole-body skin can be peeled off,” said Iuhanisuna.

“All such cases can be treated. If tests are done and results of microbes or what bacteria, then they can be treated except for cancer,” he said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Representatives of 16 sub-tribes of Bubutasi and Penguniu of East Guadalcanal province collectively referred to as “Bubupengu”, have recently engaged in efforts to trace their family lineage.

Coordinator Mr Cyril Kulisuia said a family tree has been developed exclusively for the 16 sub-tribes residing within the two land boundaries.

“The Bubutasi and Penguniu Tribal Land Conservation is now progressing to the stage of Land Use Planning. Once this phase is completed, we will be prepared to officially declare our land and our tribe, as we are the legitimate owners of these two resource-rich lands,” he said.

“Thanks to all our hard-working chiefs, community elders, women and youths for making this important step of the plans possible and come to reality,” said Mr Kulisuia.

He said that the Bubupengu has a few attraction sites in the Conservation Area, where eco-tourism is their major development plan.

“We already had a retreat house known as Kopiu Bay Retreat House to provide accommodations for visitors,” he said.

He said that the Bubupengu Tribal Land Conservation Association, over the past months have met with Dr. Morgan Wairiu and the World-Wide Fund (WWF) Conservation Manager, Mr. Hendry Kaniki, with some information on the pathway to assist the Bubupengu Tribal Land Conservation Association in their future development.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Bubupengu Tribal Land Conservation Association (BPTLCA) has thanked the World-Wide Fund -Solomon Islands and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR).

This comes after the World-Wide Fund- Solomon Islands and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) held a one-day workshop on Marine management.

The workshop held on 13 May at Haimabulu, Moli Ward, East Guadalcanal was facilitated by the World-Wide Fund (WWF) Conservation Manager, Mr. Henry Kiniki and his two officers.

Speaking to Island Sun, BPTLCA Co-ordinator Mr Cyril Kulisuia said that the team from WWF and the Ministry of Fisheries visited the area in East Guadalcanal to discuss the importance of protecting the local environment.

He said that the visit was made possible after the WWF was invited by the local community to visit the community and conduct basic community awareness concerning the work.

Mr Kulisiua said that the BPTLCA is working to conserve the area from the ridges to the reef and they are conducting this awareness campaign to educate the community about the importance of preserving the forest, beach and sea.

“Over 60 people attended the meeting, which focused mainly on the Marine Protected Area. We welcome the WWF and MFMR and look forward to building a long-lasting partnership,” said Kulisiua.

He said that the visit was the first of its kind for WWF and the Ministry of Fisheries.

WWF provides technical assistance and financial support for the effective management of locally managed marine areas (LMMAs), including advice on the identification, set-up and monitoring of marine protected areas.

WWF relies on strong and transparent relationships with all stakeholders, from the community up to the provincial and national levels of government.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY INDY MAEALASIA

UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) and Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) have successfully concluded a three-day capacity-building workshop aimed at strengthening local governance and improving the delivery of essential social services across Malaita Province.

Held in Auki from 13 to 15 May with funding support from the European Union, the workshop brings together provincial officials, ward development committees, government ministries and civil society organizations.

It marks the beginning of a series of similar workshops to be held across all provinces in the Solomon Islands, focusing on strengthening capacity building of provincial governments in evidence-based planning, budgeting, financing and governance skills to strengthen service delivery in health, education, water and sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

“This workshop is a crucial step forward in our shared commitment to improving the well-being of our communities, especially our children,” said Ronesh Prasad, UNICEF Solomon Islands Social Policy Specialist.

“By equipping provincial and ward-level stakeholders with the tools and data for evidence-based planning; we are supporting more responsive, inclusive and accountable governance.”

The initiative is part of the Provincial Governance and Service Delivery (PGSD) Project, jointly implemented by UNICEF and UNDP under the broader European Union-funded programme.

Malaita Premier, Elijah Asilaua acknowledged that the partnership with UNICEF and the EU marks a new chapter on efforts to serve the people of Malaita more effectively.

“By building the capacity of our officers and ward committees, we are creating the foundation for better governance and resilient, community-driven development. Let us seize this opportunity to turn plans into action and challenges into solutions.”

Participants gained technical knowledge and skills to plan, design and cost project proposals aligned with the province’s development priorities.

Malaita Province, home to more than a third of Solomon Islands’ population of 800,000 people continue to face major challenges in WASH access, health infrastructure and education services. According to data from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, just 48% of households have access to essential drinking water sources, while most communities still practice open defecation.

Through capacity-building efforts, Malaita Province aims to develop more inclusive and climate-resilient social services, especially for vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities and adolescent girls. The workshop also aligns with the Solomon Islands Government’s 20-year National Development Strategy (NDS 2016-2035), which emphasizes good governance, inclusive economic growth and quality basic services.

UNICEF remains committed to supporting the people of Solomon Islands in realizing their right to health, education and safe water. Together with national and provincial partners, this initiative represents a collective step toward a brighter, healthier and more equitable future for every child.

Isabel Province will be the next to undergo this workshop, followed by Central Islands Province, Western Province and the rollout will continue until it covers all the provinces in the country, including Honiara.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Leroy Port at Ranadi, East Honiara, was declared an international wharf in December 2023.

Harry Kuma, Minister for the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) expressed this when responding to the Member of Parliament for Small Malaita on the question of whether Leroy Port was an international wharf and if it meets international standards as an international port.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, 22, Rick Houenipwela questioned what compliance monitoring ensureed that the Leroy facility maintains its compliance in relation to international requirements such as the Solomon Islands Port Authority (SIPA).

“Are there any concerns about security and illicit activities? Do you have these same concerns about Leroy Wharf?” Houenipwela asked.

In response, Minister Kuma said that the Leroy Wharf is operated by the Sol Fish Company and is 100% owned, employing 320 Solomon islanders.

He said that the need to turn Leroy Wharf into an International Wharf is just need-based because of the situation of COVID-19 and preparatory work for the South Pacific games in 2023, where the Government see it important to create another international wharf.

“So, in 2022, there was a cabinet paper brought to the cabinet for approval to set up a committee and get Leroy to comply with the minimum international requirement to declare an international wharf,” said Kuma.

He said that the committee is made up of all the relevant Government stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management (MECCDM), the Ministry of Finance & Treasury (MoFT), the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA), Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) and the Private sector.

“With continuous assessment, they see it fit and comply with the safety, port security standard, that is ISPS code, comply with the Environment Act 1998, the Planning and Development Act 1980, SIMA regulation and Requirements, the Biosecurity Act of 2023, GP planning and development regulations, SIMA conducts annual ISPS audits on the wharf 2024, Customs and Exercise Act declared as customs area to store goods.

“The customs control facility is well prepared. For customs purposes, Leroy port fees are just as the same as SIPA, which has office spaces for customs officers, Biosecurity staff, and police. It accepts all businesses who is willing to use the port facilities.

“These are things that Leroy Wharf met and the committee at that time recommended to the cabinet and declared an International Wharf in December 2023,” said Kuma.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

The much-anticipated Justice March calling for accountability in the brutal killing of 24-year-old Stephanus Wainamo from Star Harbour, Makira/Ulawa Province has been postponed to a later date.

Millicent Barty, one of the march organizers, confirmed that the event in a statement originally scheduled for today, was called off due to unresolved challenges with permitting authorities.

“With the heaviest of hearts, we share that the Memory March, planned for tomorrow (today), will need to be rescheduled,” Barty said in a statement.

“Despite our best efforts, we’ve encountered ongoing confusion and challenges with permitting authorities. At this point, we are unfortunately unable to proceed as planned.” She said.

The march was organized in response to the tragic murder of Stephanus Wainamo, who was brutally attacked and killed on the night of May 16 at Jacob’s Ladder in the Milestone area, within the vicinity of Mamulele, East Honiara.

Since the incident, police have arrested six suspects, including a female, with one still at large.

The first three accused appeared before the Honiara Central Magistrate Court on May 21 and were remanded in custody by Principal Magistrate Elma Hilly until June 5.

All three have been formally charged with murder. Further court appearances are expected as police complete formalities for the remaining suspects.

A post-mortem examination revealed Wainamo sustained two deep cuts, a star-shaped wound to the back of the head, a cracked scalp, and injuries to his left eye — evidence of a violent and fatal assault.

The murder of Wainamo has sparked widespread public outrage, with growing calls for justice and stronger action to combat violence.

Organizers of the Justice March expressed deep disappointment over the delay but affirmed their continued commitment to peaceful action.

“Organising a peace march is never easy — not just logistically, but emotionally. It takes heart, courage, resilience and an unwavering belief that change is possible through peaceful action,” Barty added.

She said the march is not just an event, but a powerful statement of hope, unity and a collective demand for safer communities across the Solomon Islands.

“We know many of you have been preparing to show up for your loved ones, standing behind the call that Enough Hemi Enough. Please know that our small, young team feels the weight of asking for just a little more patience.”

“It is painful to see how hard it can be to actualise something so simple — a peaceful gathering of citizens in Honiara, calling for harmony, healing and justice.”

Barty said that the organizers continue to respect the process and authorities, and remain hopeful that their intentions will be fully understood and supported.

“We remain committed, undeterred and hopeful. We will update you with the new date as soon as it is confirmed.” She said.

The organizing team extended heartfelt thanks to supporters who have offered time, funds, services, and talents.

“Your support gives us strength. Your belief keeps this movement alive. We will keep going. We will march — together — soon.” Barty said.

For feedback, contact:[email protected]

BY NED GAGAHE

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will represent Solomon Islands at several high-level international forums in Europe while Parliament goes on a special adjournment until Monday 14 July 2025.

The adjournment was moved by the Prime Minister yesterday and passed without objection.

In his address to the House, Prime Minister Manele explained that the break allows him, in his role as Head of Government, to attend important global meetings. These include:

• The Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco,
• The Third United Nations Conference in Nice, France, and
• The OPEC Fund for International Development Forum in Vienna, Austria, where he is invited as a keynote speaker. The forum will focus on global transitions and sustainable development.

Aside from international representation, the Prime Minister said the adjournment also provides time for the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) to conduct detailed inquiries into two major Bills – the National Building Standards Bill and the Mineral Resources Bill.

During this period, the government also aims to finalise and table other critical pieces of legislation, including the Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

The month of June also marks Second Appointed Day celebrations in several provinces, namely Isabel, Temotu, and Central.

The Prime Minister acknowledged invitations to attend these events but noted that should his overseas schedule prevent his presence, either the Deputy Prime Minister or the Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening will attend on behalf of the government.

Furthermore, the adjournment will also allow MPs to return to their constituencies to engage with their constituents and address matters of importance.

Parliament will reconvene on Monday 14 July 2025.

Feedback, contact:[email protected]