• Health ministry warns men against consuming Sabah Brand

[Published on Saturday, March 28, 2026]

BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has issued a strong warning to the public—especially men—to stop consuming Sabah Brand Miracle Energy Coffee, describing it as a dangerous product disguised as a supplement.

The Ministry in a statement on Friday, March 27 said the product does not contain what its label claims and instead contains a powerful prescription drug.

Testing carried out by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia) found that a single sachet of the coffee contains 69.1 milligrams of Tadalafil, three times the recommended adult dose.

Tadalafil, similar to Sildenafil, is used to treat erectile dysfunction but can cause serious health risks if misused.

The Ministry warns that even normal doses of the drug can trigger severe cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks, especially in people with existing heart conditions or those taking certain medications.

“Products like this should never be sold over the counter,” the Ministry stressed, adding that Tadalafil is strictly a prescription-only medicine.

The Ministry said consuming just one sachet of the coffee is equivalent to taking three times the safe dose, significantly increasing the risk of severe side effects or even death.

The Ministry is now urging men experiencing sexual health issues to seek proper medical advice instead of turning to unregulated products.

Reports have also emerged of cases in Solomon Islands involving individuals affected after consuming the product.

Whilst they continue to monitor the situation, health officials call on the public to remain vigilant.

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BY MORRIS NAFU

Limahl Totogi has returned as the Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) for 2026.

Mr Totongi was unopposed for the position during YECSI’s 8th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday this week.

The meeting was held at the Honiara City Council (HCC) youth hub attended by than 60 YECSI members.

Participants included Honiara-based members as well as members from the provinces.

In a statement, the outgoing board highlighted a key milestone, noting that it was the first board to serve a two-year term after a constitutional amendment was passed at the previous AGM extending board tenure.

Following a week-long nomination period that drew submissions from across the country, the election concluded with Totogi returning unopposed to lead the organisation for another term.

His re-election marks his second term in office since first assuming the chairmanship in 2024.

The Vice Chair position also attracted a single nomination, resulting in Esther Yates Pollard being confirmed as Vice Chairlady.

Additionally, three new board members were elected during the AGM namely; Creina Desonia Tapalaboe, Owner of LexCre Enterprise, Aldrin Piohite, Owner of Kava Haus and Junior John Wanofafia, Owner of Cab it.

In his remarks, Totogi acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing board, commending their leadership during challenging periods while also achieving a benchmark year for YECSI in 2025.

He emphasized the importance of unity and a shared commitment to empowering young people across the Solomon Islands.

YECSI also expressed gratitude to its sponsors and partners, particularly the Solomon Islands Government through key ministries, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

The organisation further acknowledged its founding partners, the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SICCI), for its continued support.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The resilience of society and women’s perseverance are the most significant factors for mothers and girls in the rural communities of Malaita Province and the country as a whole.

This message was conveyed by the Legal Advisor of the Malaita Provincial Government, Godfrey Male, as the guest of honour during the International Women’s Day celebration at Auki market yesterday.

He said resilience may be favourable, but it should not be taken for granted. 

“Women shouldn’t have to overcome injustice just to survive; they should be supported to thrive,” he said.

He said the critical actions that should be practiced are those that create a safe environment for women to live freely, which is accessible, responsive, fair, and free from fear.

He said that this is the same as investing in education and skills training so that women can participate meaningfully in the economy, promoting policies that support work-life balance, childcare, and equal pay.

Furthermore, he said actions require leaders, institutions, and communities to take responsibility and accountability to protect and promote the rights of women.

“It requires us to challenge harmful practices and speak out against injustice, even when it is uncomfortable,” he said.

Meanwhile, he encourages investing in the next generation to pursue their ambitions and break barriers.

“Young girls must be encouraged to believe in themselves to pursue their ambitions. They must grow in an environment where their potential is recognized and nurtured.

“Equally, our young boys must be taught respect, equality, and responsibility. They must grow up understanding that strength lies not in dominance, but in partnership and mutual respect,” he said.

He said true justice is not achieved when the law is on paper, but it can be achieved when the laws are felt by people daily.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

In the rural communities of Malaita Province, women are still facing many significant challenges.

Malaita Provincial Government Legal Advisor Godfrey Male voiced this during yesterday’s celebration marking International Women’s Day in Auki. 

He said many of the challenges women face include inequality in education, limited access to opportunities, and barriers in leadership and decision-making. 

“They endure violence, discrimination, and injustice in silence. Some also carry the heavy burden of unpaid care work while striving to provide for their families,” he said. 

He said although women face these challenges, they do not give up but rise up.

“Every day, women contribute immensely to our society and economy. They cultivate our land as farmers, serve as market vendors sustaining our local economy, shape our institutions as professionals, and act as caregivers holding families and communities together,” he said.

Male said in order to support and mitigate the challenges faced, there must be action.

He said that there must be a change in the mindset of people, shifting away from traditions and attitudes that limit women’s involvement.

“As a society, we must change our mindset, move away from our traditions and attitudes that limit women, and instead embrace values that uplift and respect them,” he said.

He also encourages men to be partners in the journey to support women.

“To the men here today, you are the partners in this journey. Supporting women’s rights is not a women’s issue; it is a human issue.

“When women rise, families rise, communities rise, and nations rise,” he said.

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By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

The Auki Market Vendors Association celebrated International Women’s Day yesterday with the theme “Rights, Justice, and Action” at the Auki Central Market. 

The important day for women formally falls on March 8 every year, but this year’s celebration was organised to be celebrated for two days, starting yesterday and continuing today. 

Speaking during the celebration, the president of the Auki Market Vendors Association, Kathy Pearson, said they are facing many challenges in the market environment. 

She said many issues have occurred and been witnessed in the market that need consideration from partners and the government. 

She said that although they have faced and experienced difficulties, they don’t give up and work alone; they are supported by their partners and the Malaita Provincial Government.

“Yes, in the market, we have experienced and faced a lot of challenges, such as the violence against women. Many of them have occurred, and we have witnessed.

“However, we are not alone; we have our sectors and stakeholders, like the Malaita Women’s Congress and the provincial government, who have supported us,” she said.

She also wishes all mothers and girls in Malaita and in other provinces safe celebrations. 

She encouraged the mothers and girls in Malaita to be strong, resilient, and to have the strength to work together to address the challenges they face. 

“I just want to wish our mothers and girls in the province a happy International Women’s Day.

“I want us to be strong, resilient, and carry the strength so that we can work together and address the challenges that we have faced and are experiencing,” she said.

Island Sun understands that the event is celebrated annually in Malaita Province.

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