BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
Heartbreaking statistics reveal that on average, one infant dies every day, raising urgent concerns about maternal and child health services in Solomon Islands.
Chief Medical Statistician, Rebecca Manelase, presented the figures during the second day of the National Healthy Setting Conference in Gizo, highlighting the pressing health challenges facing the country.
According to Manelase, 15,831 births were recorded in 2024 alone.
This figure includes both live births and stillbirths.
She explained that while 90 percent of births occurred in health facilities, 10 percent of mothers still delivered their babies in villages, often without skilled medical assistance.
Manelase said an average of one stillbirth occurs every day, adding to the already high infant mortality rate.
She further reported that two infants die each week due to complications that are often preventable.
Equally alarming is the country’s low immunisation coverage.
Only 7.1 percent of children in Solomon Islands received the required vaccinations in 2024—far below the internationally recommended standard of 80 percent.
“This low level of immunisation is a serious concern, as it leaves children highly vulnerable to preventable diseases,” Manelase said.
She further stated that maternal health is also under pressure.
Manelase reported that 17 mothers died in 2024 due to childbirth complications, a rise compared to 14 maternal deaths in 2023.
The statistics presented paint a worrying picture for the health system.
The National Healthy Setting Conference continues this week, bringing together government officials, development partners, and community leaders to discuss solutions that aim to improve the country’s health outcomes.
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