Leading local surgeon Dr Kuma gives grave statistics on killer non-communicable diseases in the country

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Eight people die every day and 56 people in one week from non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Solomon Islands.

One of the country’s top surgeons Dr Chester Kuma revealed this when he spoke at the National Trade Fair at SINU Panatina cultural village.

He stressed that this is the reality and if not taken seriously it will cause death for more people than any other disease.

“You can just appreciate the escalation of the statistics on the number of people in Solomon Islands who died from NCD”, Dr Kuma said.

He referred to the scenario as a “crisis” and a huge health problem.

“NCDs kill 50 million people every 12 months globally. It is more than any war. COVID-19 kills only 15 million people. In the Solomon Islands, NCD kills 56 people in a week and eight people every day,” he added.

Moreover, Dr Kuma said the government finds it difficult to control NCD due to the lack of money to address the problem.

He mentioned that nearly half of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) budget goes towards treating NCD.

Dr Kuma pointed out that today, we eat too much food from the store which contribute mainly to the problem of non-communicable diseases in our nation.

Henceforth, he said we must address this by abiding by information regarding NCDs.

“So that we can help our government address NCD so that we do not waste money on sickness that we created by ourselves inside our body from wrong choices,” said Dr Kuma.

The country’s top surgeon also warned that habits like smoking, consuming alcohol and chewing betel-nut are three drugs that contribute significantly to the development of non-communicable diseases.

Earlier this year, Kuma had warned the public on the dangers of consuming ‘white rice’ a staple food in the Solomons nowadays, saying that an average plate of white rice contains an equivalent of 20 spoons of sugar.

On another note, MHMS is working hard on its initiatives along with the help of partners to combat NCDs.

Such efforts include the recently launched national food security, food safety and nutrition policy 2024-2029.

According to a MHMS statement on June 24, 2025, the policy aims to achieve food and nutrition security in Solomon Island through long term sustainable collaboration and engagement by all key stakeholders.

Health minister, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai during his keynote address at the launch said the burden of non-communicable diseases, often linked to poor nutrition and unsafe food practices, continues to rise at an unprecedented rate and accounts for 70 percent of adult deaths in Solomon Islands.

Island Sun understands that the recently opened NCD clinic at Kukum area is crowded daily with patients seeking medical attention.

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By Rodrick Desuri

Working together is a very important aspect of the development and implementation of projects in Malaita province. 

Premier Elijah Asilaua emphasised that working together and forming partnerships among people, stakeholders and other provinces with the national government are vital signs that will provide positive feedback for the government and aid donors. 

Asilaua said that before the national government and aid donors can implement projects in the province, there must be cooperation, patience and collaboration. 

He appealed to the people in Malaita province to be patient with his government as it implements its plans. 

“I appeal and call for the people to be patient with the government. There are projects ready for implementation. 

“All I need is your cooperation and assistance because when people assist the government, we will have more benefits,” he said. 

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BY RODRICK DESURI

Malaita provincial government will not be organising any public event in the province this year but will focus on the implementation of projects that are in motion. 

Premier Elijah Asilaua made the above remark during an interview with Island Sun in Auki yesterday, Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

Asilaua stressed that there are important projects that the government is currently focusing on, such as the Auki town tar-sealing and the expansion of the Kilu’ufi hospital. 

“These projects are currently progressing well at the moment. The Auki town tar-sealing, the expansion of Kilu’ufi hospital, road upgrading, and others,” Asilaua said.

He mentioned that organising public gatherings in the province will take place after the projects are completed, especially for the upcoming second appointed day of the province.

Asilaua emphasized that they haven’t organised any event to mark the national Independence Day in the province yesterday because they want to focus on the projects that are currently in progress in the province.

He added that even for the upcoming second appointed day of the province, they will not organize public gatherings, but will organise and celebrate at the ward level.

Asilaua also calls on his people to cooperate with his government, as good things can be achieved by working together through cooperation. 

“I want to encourage my people and stakeholders that we must cooperate with others and we will achieve what we want. 

“We must work together with people, stakeholders, churches, other provincial governments and the government before we can achieve our goals,” he said. 

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

A celebration of traditional taste and culinary creativity took center stage yesterday, Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the National Trade Fair SINU Village, where a cooking competition showcased the richness of local cuisine.

The competition featured contestants; Leandra Imbe, David Iro and Alfred Rifalu, each presenting their unique culinary skills, island flavors and creativity to impress the judges.

First contestant, Leandra Imbe presented a local Guadalcanal dish known as “Chululu”, a local delicacy made with purple yam, “Ovibaka”, slippery cabbage and thick coconut cream.

During the first yam harvest, we prepare the yam by cooking it with slippery cabbage and freshly squeezed coconut cream. The dish is prepared in a traditional bowl called a “tambili” and is first shared with the children, without adding any extra flavoring, just the natural taste of the yam and coconut,” Imbe said.

The second contestant, David Iro showcased a modern twist on traditional ingredients with his dish which was grilled reef fish served with baked kumara and vegetables.

“This is a very simple and healthy meal that anyone can prepare at home for lunch or dinner,” Iro said.

Meanwhile, Alfred Rifalu, the third contestant displayed baked chicken wrapped with slippery cabbage, ngali nut and coconut cream, served alongside baked kumara.

“I chose only local ingredients from the market and I believe this dish is a good example of healthy eating,” Rifalu said.

The competition’s judging criteria focused on taste, presentation, creativity and use of local ingredients.

The winner of the competition is expected to be announced on Thursday, the final day of the fair.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

AMONG the six recipients of the 2024 Independence Honours and Awards was 24-year-old Lewis Mechaiah, who stepped forward to accept the Solomon Islands Medal (Silver) on behalf of his late father, Stephanas Steve Mechaiah.

In front of a large crowd at the 47th Independence Anniversary celebrations held at the National Stadium on Monday, Lewis received the medal with pride from Governor General David Tiva Kapu.

The late Stephanas Mechaiah, born in 1969, was honoured for his long and dedicated service to the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI).

He joined the service in 1990 and faithfully served for more than three decades. Throughout his service, he rose through the ranks and became the commandant at the Tetere Correctional Centre, Guadalcanal until his retirement.

For Lewis, who is also a CSSI officer, the rare moment was emotional, stirring up memories of his father’s devotion to duty.

“It is sad that my father isn’t here to receive this himself. Even though I accepted the medal on his behalf, it felt like I wasn’t worthy, because it truly belonged to him,” Lewis said.

Lewis expressed his gratitude to the government for recognising his father’s contributions to the nation.

“This award means a lot to our family. It shows that my father’s hard work and sacrifice did not go unnoticed. We’re truly thankful to the government for this recognition,” Lewis added.

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Gizo Police Station has received a major infrastructure boost with the official handover of a brand-new Small Boat Facility, courtesy of the Australian Government.

His Excellency Rod Hilton, Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, led a delegation from the Australian High Commission to Gizo yesterday to officiate the handover ceremony.

Accompanying the Australian team were senior officials from the Solomon Islands Government, including the Minister of Police and the Secretary to the Prime Minister.

In his keynote address, Hilton expressed Australia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) through both professional development and infrastructure support.

“We are pleased to support Gizo Police Station with this Small Boat Facility. It is one of six similar facilities supported by the Australian Defence Force across the country,” he said.

Hilton explained that the new facility is designed to house small police vessels and protect essential machinery and equipment from the elements, helping officers respond more effectively to maritime and coastal incidents.

“This project reflects our 43-year-long Defence Cooperation Programme with Solomon Islands, which has helped enhance peace and security in the region,” he added.

Hilton said the facility is a product of the strong and ongoing partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands, with a focus on improving infrastructure, maritime and border security, fisheries surveillance, police capability and cyber resilience.

He is confident that the facility will significantly enhance the operational capacity of Gizo Police and enable them to provide more effective services across the Western Province.

Hilton also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to regional security and cooperation, stating that Australia continues to work closely with countries in the Pacific to build a more stable, secure and resilient region through unity, integrity and collaboration.

The new infrastructure marks another milestone in the enduring bilateral relationship between Solomon Islands and Australia’s and is a key step forward for policing services in Gizo and the broader Western Province.

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

PRIME Minister Jeremiah Manele has extended deep gratitude to the country’s bilateral and multilateral partners, as well as the churches across the Solomon Islands, for their unwavering vital contributions to the nation’s development.

Speaking during the official Independence celebrations on Monday, July 7 2025, Manele acknowledged the critical role international partners have played in assisting the country through times of difficulty and transition.

“To our bilateral and multilateral partners, I wish to thank you for your continuous support. You have indeed stepped up and assisted our country in unprecedented ways. We, as a nation, would like to register our gratitude. Tagio tumas,” he said.

Turning his focus to faith-based institutions, Manele delivered a heartfelt message to the churches.

“To our churches, you are the shoulder on which we lean during all our trying times. You are the moral compass of this country and your prayers and faith have indeed been a source of strength and inspiration,” he said.

Manele went on to emphasise the spiritual and social leadership of churches in nation-building efforts, commending their work in maintaining peace, guiding communities and supporting national values.

“Your role in nation-building is invaluable and appreciated. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Let us continue to serve God and our people.”

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BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Western Provincial Government (WPG) has joined the nation in commemorating Solomon Islands’ 47th Independence Day with a low-key but meaningful celebration held at the provincial headquarters in Gizo.

The event brought together key figures of the provincial administration, including Provincial Speaker Ramrakha Aquila Talasasa, Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena and Minister of Education Gordon Zebo, along with other WPG officials and staff.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Toiraena said the celebration, though modest due to financial challenges, was an important gesture to mark the nation’s independence.

He expressed gratitude to the staff for their efforts in organizing the event and to all guests who took the time to participate.

“This is a significant day for all of us as Solomon Islanders. Despite the financial difficulties, WPG is proud to have celebrated this day in unity,” Toiraena said.

Provincial Speaker Ramrakha Talasasa also shared remarks, commending the provincial administration for hosting the event.

He emphasized the significance of Independence Day as a time to reflect on the past and look forward to building a stronger future.

“Independence Day is not only a national holiday—it is a reminder of our shared responsibility in shaping the future of our province and our country,” Talasasa said.

He urged WPG staff to work with dedication and diligence in their roles, while also exploring and maximizing opportunities that can boost revenue for the province.

Talasasa extended special appreciation to the Western Province Investment Corporation for supporting the celebration, ensuring the province marked the national milestone in solidarity with the rest of the country.

The 47th Independence Day was observed nationwide on July 7, marking nearly five decades since Solomon Islands gained sovereignty in 1978.

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By Rodrick Desuri

Premier of Malaita Elijah Asilaua says the province has enough medical drugs and supplies however transporting them is the issue.

He stressed this after his recent visit to clinics in the rural areas of the province.

Asilaua said the problem lies with logistics and transportation which at often times deny some rural clinics from receiving medical supplies on time.

“We have enough medical treatments, but the problem is transportation and logistics to carry these medical drugs to the clinics,” the Premier said. 

“I have seen for myself during my visit, so the transportation and logistics are what we will look at,” he added. 

Meanwhile, the Premier also strongly discourages the sale of medical drugs, as it will cause a shortage of these essential medical treatments.

“I strongly discouraged people from selling these essential medical drugs.

“This could cause a shortage because people buy and save them for when they are infected or sick,” he said.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services had recently discouraged the selling of medical drugs by public health workers in the country.

The ministry also enforced a strong penalty measure for any public health worker found selling medical drugs.

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