BY JUNELYN KELLY
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) is taking a major step to strengthen cervical cancer prevention with the completion of the country’s first training on HPV DNA testing and treatment.
The week-long training was conducted by the Ministry’s Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Division from 5-10, March 2026.
MHMS in a statement yesterday said the training was supported by the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC), the Australian Government through DFAT, and the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA).
This initiative is said to be the first introduction of HPV DNA testing in Solomon Islands.
The training focused on upskilling health workers who were previously trained in Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA).
Deputy Secretary for Health Improvement, Dr Nemia Bainivalu, said HPV DNA testing is the most effective method of cervical screening, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
“This initiative represents a major milestone in our efforts to eliminate cervical cancer,” he said.
Bainivalu also emphasised that vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 remains a key strategy, following a successful pilot in two provinces.
The HPV vaccination programme was rolled out nationwide in 2019. However, coverage declined during the COVID-19 pandemic to 11 percent, before recovering to over 80 percent through a campaign last year.
Since 2016, more than 15,000 women have undergone cervical screening using VIA, with over 1,000 receiving treatments for pre-cancerous lesions. Screening services were also expanded to Makira and Choiseul provinces for the first time in 2025, Bainivalu said.
The ministry now aims to extend services to Central, Temotu, and Rennell and Bellona provinces this year.
Bainivalu said more than 90,000 women aged 30 to 49 remain at risk, with over 5,000 women entering this age group each year.
Meanwhile although national data remains limited, cervical cancer is among the top ten causes of death among women in Solomon Islands.
He said that cervical cancer is highly preventable and is the only cancer with a global elimination strategy led by WHO.
The introduction of HPV DNA testing is expected to significantly increase screening coverage, including options such as self-swabbing, which reduces the need for clinical examinations and supports outreach services.
“This will accelerate screening coverage while existing screen-and-treat approaches continue,” he said.
Bainivalu acknowledged the contributions of partners, stakeholders, and health workers in supporting the initiative.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach welcomed the development and reaffirmed Australia’s support under the Partnership for a healthy region.
“Australia is a global leader in HPV and cervical cancer prevention, and we are committed to sharing this expertise for the benefit of Solomon Islands,” he said.
He said the partnership continues to strengthen research, clinical collaboration, and capacity building in the country’s health sector.
Photo credit: MHMS
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
