[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
THE Director of Western Province’s Health and Medical Services, Dickson Boara, has led his first medical team deployment to Simbo Island as part of the ongoing disaster response.
In an interview with Island Sun, Dr. Boara said the health sector has developed a response strategy under the Provincial Disaster Operation Committee to address urgent medical needs in cyclone-affected communities.
He said the priority is to assist areas where health clinics were destroyed or severely damaged.
“The first team is now deployed to Simbo, the second team will deploy to Iriqila in North Vella, and the third team will deploy to Ugele in Rendova Island.
“Ranongga is also on the list, but deployment will take place once it is safe for the team to access some of the affected areas,” Boara said.
Boara explained that the teams will be stationed in key locations and conduct outreach visits to surrounding communities, depending on the severity of the damage.
“Our team will be stationed and will visit all communities based on the level of impact,” he said.
Boara said medical services to be provided include general health consultations, antenatal care, and public awareness on potential health risks following the disaster.
He added that Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) teams will accompany the medical teams to assist communities that have lost access to clean water supplies.
Boara calls on affected communities to cooperate with health teams to ensure the recovery process is carried out effectively and efficiently.
“Communities must work together with our teams so that recovery efforts can run smoothly,” he said.
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