BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Poor sanitation and hygiene practices remain a major challenge, affecting the health, education and wellbeing of students across the country.
Erick Hale UNICEF WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Programme officer highlighted this when he presented the country’s overview of sanitation landscape yesterday at the day-one of the UNCEF Solomon Islands & MASI WASH Media workshop.
He said that open defecation continues to be common in many communities, creating conditions that allow diseases to spread easily.
Mr Hale said that children are among the most vulnerable, with studies showing that those living in areas where open defecation is practiced are more likely to suffer from stunted growth and other health complications.
“The problem is also affecting schools. Students and teachers frequently miss classes due to illness, while the lack of safe and private toilet facilities in schools often forces girls to stay home during menstruation,” he said.
He said that teachers also lose valuable teaching time when they need to care for sick family members.
“Diarrhoea remains one of the country’s most serious public health concerns. Poor water quality, inadequate sanitation and unsafe hygiene practices continue to contribute to outbreaks of the disease.
“In 2014, Solomon Islands recorded more than 4,000 diarrhoea cases and 27 deaths. A second outbreak between 2015 and 2016 resulted in more than 9,000 cases and 32 deaths. Health authorities also reported six diarrhoea-related deaths in 2021, with most cases involving children,” Hale said.
He said that more recently, the Ministry of Health confirmed another outbreak in Honiara and Guadalcanal in mid-2025, mainly affecting children between the ages of one and four.
“Diarrhoea is currently the second leading cause of death among children under five in Solomon Islands. Statistics show that nearly one in every 10 child deaths before the age of five is linked to the disease,” he said.
He said that the country also continues to face high rates of child stunting and malnutrition, conditions often associated with poor access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services.
He said that investing in sanitation delivers significant benefits, despite these challenges.
“Research indicates that every dollar spent on sanitation can generate a return of about US$5.50 through lower healthcare costs, improved productivity and better health outcomes for communities,” Hale said.
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