BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
DIRECTOR of Western Province Health Services, Dr Dickson Boara, welcomed participants who travelled from across the province and beyond to attend the Provincial Health Summit currently underway in Gizo.
In his welcome remarks, Boara acknowledged the commitment of participants who travelled from far and near to be part of the important gathering that aims to improve health services in the province.
He said Western Province continues to face growing health challenges driven by environmental, social and economic changes.
Boara also said the province is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, placing additional pressure on the health system and its ability to deliver services effectively.
He said communicable diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis (TB), together with the increasing burden of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to overwhelm health facilities across the province.
“With these challenges, we are here to discuss how best we can withstand them. Some of you have better solutions and I acknowledge your presence today.
“I’m confident that we will discuss, share experiences and find the right solutions to mitigate our challenges,” Boara said.
He said the Provincial Health Summit is held for the first time in Western Province, providing a structured platform for government officials, health leaders, communities, churches, non-government organisations and development partners to analyse provincial health systems using a common evidence-based framework and to agree on priority actions tailored to local realities.
Boara acknowledged the presence of participants at the summit.
“I acknowledge the presence of staff from the provincial government, community representatives, area health supervisors within the six zones, other health service providers and key partners,” he said.
Boara said he looks forward for participation and commitment to improve health outcomes in the province.
Dr Boara said Western Province Health Services has established various programmes to address many health challenges facing the province, but realities on the ground continue to place a heavy burden on service delivery efforts.
He stressed that collective action is essential to finding lasting solutions and strengthening healthcare delivery.
“Some of the solutions can be found in communities as well as through support from other stakeholders.
“Our collective efforts can address most of the health challenges we continue to face as a province and a country,” Boara said.
The summit is expected to generate practical recommendations and priority actions that aim to build a stronger and more resilient health system for Western Province.
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