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UNICEF consultant urges empowerment of youth to navigate internet responsibly

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) consultant has stressed the need to empower young people to manage their internet use responsibly, instead of relying solely on laws or penalties to restrict access to harmful online content.

Dr Koen Sevenants, UNICEF Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) consultant for children and families, raised the point during the Advance Training on Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) for Children and Families held in Honiara on Tuesday September 23, 2025.

The training attended by Provincial mental health coordinators took place at the UN Joint Presence Office Conference Room, ANZ Building at Ranadi in Honiara.

Responding to questions on whether governments could limit access to online pornography through legal measures, Sevenants said that the internet is beyond the control of individual states.

“The internet was created in the late 1980s with two major drivers military use and pornography. Today, around 43 percent of online content is pornography,” he said.

He said that the most effective solution is education and empowerment.

“We need to equip young people to face the realities of the internet and use it wisely. In Belgium, for instance, pornography is not portrayed as inherently harmful, but young people are taught to engage with it responsibly and to avoid addiction,” Sevenants explained.

To illustrate the risks of boom, he compared patterns of pornography consumption to alcohol addiction, where users progress from minor to stronger forms.

“In the same way, individuals may move from ordinary pornography to extreme material, including violent content,” he said.

Sevenants also raised concerns about Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM), noting that the issue has become more sophisticated with the rise of live-streaming.

He revealed that Fiji is currently the largest consumer of Child Sexual Abuse Materials CSAM globally.

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Advancements in clinical governance in oral health

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The OPIA Conference 2025, held from September 1-3, gathered prominent stakeholders in the oral health sector, including representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the International College of Dentists, and the Clare Foundation.

Among the notable delegates was Dr. Ellison Vane, Head of the Dental Department of the Solomon Islands, accompanied by Dr. Charles Sulu and Dr. Mishella Moveni, both Senior Dentists at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

The conference focused on the pivotal integration of clinical governance in oral health within the framework of Primary Health Care as part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the Pacific region.

This year’s discussions built upon progress outlined in the Suva Declaration of 2023 and the Bangkok Declaration of 2024, reinforcing global commitments to UHC and the Declaration of Astana from 2018.

Dr. Vane and his colleagues presented their insights into advancements in governance, quality assurance, and safety in oral health services, showcasing the clinical governance journey supported by the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership for Health.

Dr. Vane’s recent training at the Australian Institute of Clinical Governance further underscored the increasing emphasis on clinical governance capacity in the region.

The discussions at the conference resonated with the WHO Global Oral Health Strategy for 2023–2030, highlighting the urgent need to embed oral health governance into UHC frameworks.

Notably, Dr. Vane and Dr. Sulu were inducted as Fellows of the International College of Dentists, joining nine other doctors from Vanuatu and Fiji, a recognition that celebrates their leadership in advancing oral health on both regional and international platforms.

Dr. Sulu expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to represent the Solomon Islands.

“This opens new opportunities for partnership and collaboration with other professional organizations in the region and around the world,” he said.

He acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with such recognition.

The conference emphasized the critical role of oral health within UHC and PHC through various initiatives, including:

  • Designing essential oral health packages
  • Workforce development
  • Interprofessional collaboration

Sessions also delved into the integration of oral health with Non-Communicable Diseases, Continuing Professional Development, and sustainable health outcomes. Delegates underscored the importance of including oral health from the outset of health programming, demonstrating strong regional support to elevate oral health on national and regional agendas.

The discussions positioned the progress of the Pacific Islands as integral to global health strategies, offering practical pathways to translate governance and clinical improvements into long-term health benefits.

The Dental Unit at NRH expressed its gratitude to the Pacific Community, Oral Health Pacific Islands Alliance, and South Austral Pty Ltd for their financial support in attending the OPIA conference, as well as appreciation to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for their continued assistance in advancing oral health initiatives in the region.

Photo: Supplied

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Review of disability framework to create more inclusive spaces for people with disabilities

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BY CHRIS ALEX

The Pacific region is undertaking a comprehensive review of its regional disability framework to ensure better recognition and more inclusive opportunities for persons with disabilities, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said during the United Nations High-Level Meeting on women’s empowerment.

Speaking at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Manele revealed the disability framework review as part of the Pacific’s broader commitment to ensuring “no one is left behind” in regional development initiatives.

“The Pacific is reviewing its regional disability framework to ensure persons with disabilities are recognized and provided with more inclusive spaces,” Prime Minister Manele told delegates at the meeting commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing.

The review comes as Pacific nations work under the “Blue Pacific” unity framework, which emphasizes coordinated regional approaches to social development and inclusion challenges.

The disability framework review is being conducted alongside the establishment of a regional gender equality monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning plan, demonstrating the Pacific’s integrated approach to addressing multiple forms of marginalization simultaneously.

Prime Minister Manele emphasized that this comprehensive review process aims to close data gaps, guide action, and ensure no one is left behind across Pacific communities.

The disability framework review aligns with the Pacific’s commitment to creating societies where all individuals can “live in peace, security, and dignity,” according to Manele’s address.

This initiative supports the region’s implementation of the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration and alignment with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

The review process reflects the Pacific region’s recognition that addressing disability inclusion requires coordinated regional action, similar to approaches being taken for gender equality, climate action, and economic empowerment.

The disability framework review comes as Pacific nations report progress across multiple social development areas.

Prime Minister Manele noted that across the region, gender equality is increasingly being reflected in national reports and budgets and that women’s leadership roles are expanding, suggesting a broader commitment to inclusive development practices.

The framework review also addresses emerging challenges, including new forms of discrimination and the need for “bold partnership” to address growing social inclusion issues across the Pacific.

As “one Blue Pacific continent” the nations in the Pacific region are working collectively to ensure comprehensive social inclusion policies.

The disability framework review represents part of this coordinated approach to addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.

Prime Minister Manele reaffirms the Pacific region’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and emphasized that comprehensive inclusion will remain central to every decision we take in shaping our future.

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Malaita MPs deliver material projects to constituencies 

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Few Members of Parliament from Malaita Province have delivered projects to communities in their respective constituencies starting in July this year.

Central Kwara’ae and Lau Mbaelelea are two constituencies that delivered projects to their constituents this month.

Meanwhile, other constituencies in the province are still finalising a few areas in logistics that are yet to be finalized and completed.

The delivered projects range from church projects, community projects, housing scheme projects, income-generating projects, schools, to health projects.

The provision of these projects come with the aim to improve and transform services and livelihoods of those living in rural communities.

According to the Constituency Development Officer for Lau Mbaelelea Constituency, Moses Lugitau, the projects are funded under the new Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF).

He said his office will be prioritizing the delivery of projects for schools and health services that have a more beneficial impact on the lives of rural people.

“School and health projects are vital initiatives that our rural people need. So, we in the Lau Mbaelelea constituency are prioritizing them,” he said.

Lugitau mentioned that income-generating projects like fisheries and agriculture are also in the pipeline.

Acknowledgments and appreciations have been expressed among the recipient communities, who said the projects have touched their hearts, an experience different from the past few years.

On the same note, the Central Kwara’ae constituency also delivered 13 church projects for community recipients in the constituency, which were funded under the church grant initiative earlier this month.

The recipient community churches include Buiano Church, Kilusakwalo SSEC, Daudau/Maoro CRC Church, Fausadeo Church, Aligegeo House of Glory Church, Fiu Church, Dae Church, Okwala SSEC Church, Sita Church, Mt Zion Church, Namobaula Church, Dairana Church and Kwalo Church.

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Lau-Mbaelelea women thank MP Maenu

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By RODRICK DESURI 

AUKI 

Women and children of Lau Mbaelelea Constituency in Malaita Province are grateful and  applaud their Member of Parliament, Ben Maenu for his assistance in improving the Takwa Maternity Ward.

On Sunday, September 23, a low-key handover ceremony of the Takwa Maternity Ward took place.

Ethel Philip, representing women and children expressed that this is a dream achievement for them.

“Hon Ben Maenu, today is a great day for us, the women and children here in Lau Mbaelelea. 

“From the hearts of the mothers of Lau Mbaelelea, on behalf of them, I thank you for the great dream that you have done for us, the mothers and children of Lau Mbaelelea,” she said. 

Philip stressed that in the past years, they have faced challenging situations, with one experience being the struggle to give birth in a dark maternity ward.

She said it was very sad that there were no proper lights in the maternity ward back then so when nurses visited them at night, they had to use their mobile phones to lighten up the dark maternity ward.

Philip mentioned that they also experienced living in a dark maternity ward accompanied by broken doors and windows.

She also acknowledges Ben Maenu for the new ambulance that was handed over to Takwa clinic last month, saying it will help and support them with transportation during labor and childbirth.

Lau Mbaelelea’s Constituency Development Officer (CDO), Moses Lugitau, emphasized that school, church, and health projects are priority projects implemented in the constituency plan for its people.

He said the constituency is focusing on projects that provide services for the people which will not only benefit people in the community but everyone in the constituency as a whole.

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Fuo’o supports churches in Central Kwara’ae constituency

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Minister for Infrastructure Development and Member of Parliament for Central Kwara’ae constituency, Ricky Fuo’o early this month supported 13 communities and churches in his constituency.

His support includes building materials and musical instruments under the Church Grant Initiative allocation from the national government.

According to his statement on social media, the constituency office, through the Church Grant Initiative provided support to 13 churches across Ward 2 and Ward 29 of Central Kwara’ae Constituency.

The recipient communities and churches are:

  • Buiano Church – Generator
  • Kilusakwaol SSEC Church – Building materials
  • Daudau/Maoro CRC Church – Building Materials
  • Fausadeo Church – building materials
  • Aligegeo House of Glory Church – Musical Instruments
  • Fiu Church – Generator
  • Dae Church – Building materials
  • Okwala SSEC Church – Building Materials
  • Sita Church – Building Materials
  • Mt Zion Church – Building Materials
  • Namobaula Church – Building Materials
  • Dairana Church – Musical Instruments
  • Kwalo Church – Building Materials

As mentioned in the statement, Constituency Project Officer (CPO), Sam Ilimanu delivered the church projects.

Communities and churches which benefited from the project expressed gratitude to the constituency office under the leadership of Hon Fuo’o for the timely support.

Speaking on behalf of Dairana community, Selwyn Abana thanked Hon Fuo’o and the Constituency Office, noting that the assistance came at an important time to support their church and community.

The Constituency Office reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting churches under the Church Grant program in the future.

MP Fuo’o, through his constituency office, has also provided similar support to other communities and churches in the constituency under the Church Grant Initiative this year.

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One infant dies every day

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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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Gender equality at the heart of PIF regional agenda

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, also the current chair of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), Jeremiah Manele, assures PIF’s collective commitment to tackle and address gender equality in the Pacific region.

He gave the assurance whilst speaking on behalf of PIF to mark the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action at the UN General Assembly in New York this week.

The Prime Minister highlighted PIF’s commitment to gender equality, while he informed the assembly that PIF also celebrated its leadership legacy.

He said a year before the Beijing Platform for Action, the Pacific region launched the Pacific Platform for Action, boldly placing gender equality at the heart of Pacific region’s agenda.

While challenges remain, Manele said that the resilience of Pacific women and girls is driving real progress.

“More girls are completing school, women are accessing economic opportunities, and health systems are being improved.

“Reproductive health, including human papillomavirus vaccination and cervical cancer screening, is progressing.

“Across the region, gender equality is increasingly being reflected in national reports and budgets. Women’s leadership role across sectors is increasing,” he said.

However, the PIF Chair stressed that more needs to be done to elevate women in politics and decision-making roles.

“As one Blue Pacific, we are laying the foundation for the establishment of a regional gender equality monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning plan to close data gaps, guide action, and ensure no one is left behind. Gender equality and climate action are interlinked.

“Across the Pacific, gender roles in various sectors and policies are not just about shaping change, but driving change,” he emphasized.

Moreover, Manele shared that new forms of violence, including tech-facilitated abuse, is already stretching PIF’s capacity to respond meaningfully. Stressing bold partnership is needed to address this growing issue.

He also stated the Pacific is reviewing its regional disability framework to ensure persons with disabilities are recognized and provided with more inclusive spaces.

“As one Blue Pacific continent, we stand united to reaffirm our promise that women and girls in our region can live in peace, security, and dignity.

“Women’s role in peace and security is critical to be aligned with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, underpinned by the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration,” Manele said.

The chair reaffirms the Pacific region’s commitment to multilateralism, the Beijing Plan of Action, as they will continue to place gender equality central to every decision they take in shaping our future.

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Conference highlights gaps and opportunities in our health system

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BY BEN BILUA
GIZO

Day two of the National Healthy Setting Conference has revealed critical challenges within the Solomon Islands’ health system at the same time also sheds light on new opportunities that can strengthen health promotion across the country.

A series of presentations covered key areas including national program objectives, health indicators, vector-borne disease control, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), non-communicable disease interventions, nutrition, school meal programs, provincial health reports, and community-driven healthy setting initiatives.

Speakers highlighted pressing gaps in service delivery and program implementation, but also identified innovative approaches with potential to reshape the Healthy Settings strategy.

All findings will be consolidated into a single document to guide the development of a new national framework.

The Healthy Settings approach in Solomon Islands combines small-scale, community-led projects, such as village health committees, school-based curricula, and market hygiene initiatives with broader national activities that build capacity and share lessons.

The strategy aligns with the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Healthy Islands vision and continues to be advanced through conferences, policy reviews, and partner support.

Overall, the system is recognized as a policy-backed framework that emphasizes local leadership, cross-sector partnerships, and the integration of health promotion into everyday community life.

Ongoing efforts are focused on scaling up successful village and school models across provinces, while monitoring and updating policies to strengthen nationwide implementation.

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SI achieves 90 percent skilled birth attendance rate

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BY CHRIS ALEX

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has said that 9 out of 10 births in Solomon Islands are now attended by skilled health professionals.

He made the statement when delivering his speech at the UN High-Level Meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, held as part of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.

The meeting was themed “Recommitting to, resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.”

“I am pleased to announce that 9 out of 10 births in Solomon Islands are attended to by skilled professionals,” said Manele.

The Solomon Islands government has rolled out extensive reproductive health programs targeting multiple demographics and health concerns across the island nation.

The country has launched comprehensive Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination programs specifically for girls to prevent cervical cancer, while simultaneously expanding cervical cancer screening services.

These initiatives are part of a broader Pacific regional approach to women’s health advancement.

In support of menstrual health and education, the government has distributed reusable menstrual pads to schoolgirls through its national health program.

The country has also eliminated import duties and goods taxes on menstrual sanitary products to improve accessibility.

Beyond direct medical interventions, Solomon Islands National University now offers second-chance educational programs designed for women who left formal education due to pregnancy.

This initiative ensures reproductive health challenges do not permanently impact women’s educational and career prospects.

“My government is committed to deliver access to quality education for all Solomon Islanders,” Manele said during his address.

Prime Minister Manele emphasized that reproductive health improvements, including HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programs, are progressing across the broader Pacific region through coordinated efforts.

The achievements align with Pacific nations’ work towards establishing a regional gender equality monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning plan to address data gaps and ensure comprehensive women’s health support throughout the region.

These reproductive health advances operate within Solomon Islands’ comprehensive legal framework for women’s protection, including the Family Protection Act 2014, Penal Code Amendments 2016, Child and Family Welfare Act 2017, and the national policy to eliminate violence against women and girls covering 2021 to 2027.

The Prime Minister stated that these achievements demonstrate the Pacific region’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism while placing gender equality central to every decision we take in shaping our future.

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