BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
DIRECTOR of the Western Province Health Authority, Dickson Boara, says efforts to reduce preventable diseases are vital to improve public health and ease pressure on the country’s health system.
Speaking during the No Open Defecation (NOD) declaration ceremony at Nusatuva Community last week, Boara said Solomon Islands’ health facilities continue to face persistent challenges, particularly in service delivery and medical supplies.
He stressed that the ongoing shortage of medicines in hospitals and clinics poses a serious risk to communities, especially when unhealthy lifestyles lead to higher numbers of avoidable illnesses.
“These issues become life threatening when communities live an unhealthy lifestyle. More people will get sick and when they visit clinics and hospitals, they are not treated accordingly because there is shortage of medicine.
“This is a serious issue and I highly recommend communities to live a healthy lifestyle,” Boara said.
He said the National Sanitation Sustainability Plan (NSSP), which supports the NOD initiative, plays a crucial role in preventing disease and fostering healthier community systems.
Boara congratulated Nusatuva Community for achieving NOD status and contributing to improved sanitation and public health in the province.
He added that such programs are essential not only to create cleaner environments but to also strengthen community resilience against disease.
Boara also acknowledged Nusatuva’s commitment as part of the National Healthy Islands Community Setting, a national strategy that aims to build supportive living environments across the Solomon Islands.
He explained that the Healthy Islands concept focuses on empowering communities to take ownership of health outcomes by encouraging healthy behaviours and addressing root causes of disease.
“It emphasizes that health starts outside of clinics and aims to empower communities to become active partners in their own health by addressing the root causes of disease through a population-focused approach,” Boara said.
He said the initiative forms part of the national commitment to improve health indicators and is supported by government ministries, NGOs and development partners.
Boara encouraged other communities to follow Nusatuva’s example and to continue working with health partners to build a healthier and more sustainable future.
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