BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
The Deputy Premier of Western Province calls on the government, donor partners, and all stakeholders to come together to support the implementation of the Healthy Setting Resolutions.
Speaking at the closing of the National Healthy Setting Conference in Gizo, Brian Lotikena said the lack of cross-sectoral coordination remains one of the biggest challenges in addressing health issues across the country.
“Everybody seems to be operating within their own silos without being aware of what is going on in other sectors. We seem to be paddling our own canoes in open waters without looking out for each other. That kind of behaviour is un-Solomon like,” he said.
Lotikena stressed that health is a cross-cutting issue that requires collaboration among government ministries, NGOs, donor partners, and communities.
He acknowledges the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and donor partners for investing in the Healthy Setting initiative, which he said lays the foundation for long-term development.
“This is a huge undertaking and it will require resources, manpower, leadership, and commitment by all players across the board,” he added.
Lotikena said the conference has provided valuable insights, options, and strategies for stakeholders to pool resources and better address health sector challenges.
“Our future depends on how we work together to create a conducive environment that will ultimately fulfill the program’s intended outcomes,” he said.
Lotikena also acknowledges the government for choosing Gizo as the host of the 2025 National Healthy Setting Conference.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Western Province, I would like to convey our most sincere thanks and gratitude to all of your participants for gracing our shores during the past week. We also hope that you were able to visit some of the sites around here and get to have a taste of Western Province,” he said.
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