Vanuatu and Solomon Islands strengthen health ties, focusing on collaboration, workforce and infrastructure.
The Vanuatu Health Minister John Still Tarigetu together with members of his delegation, on Wednesday 30th April paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) of the Solomon Islands, reaffirming the strong partnership and shared commitment between the two Melanesian nations to improving health outcomes for their people.
During the visit, the Vanuatu delegation met with Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil and the Deputy Secretary Health Care Dr. Gregory Jilini to discuss progress and common challenges faced by both countries in their respective health systems and way forward. Key issues highlighted included limited resources, workforce capacity constraints, geographical barriers to service delivery, and the ongoing need to strengthen public health infrastructure.
Both parties engaged in constructive dialogue on opportunities for collaboration, including resource sharing in terms of human resources, technical cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives. The discussions emphasized the importance of leveraging collective strengths to address shared health priorities.
The Minister of Health of the Republic of Vanuatu, John Still Tariqetu thanked the Health Permanent Secretary for an insightful presentation on how the Solomon Islands health system operates. He and his delegation also commended MHMS on its public health infrastructure goals and its strong partnerships with health stakeholders.
He further expressed appreciation to the Solomon Islands Government for its continued support in providing nursing personnel to work in Vanuatu. He also extended his gratitude to the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) for supporting Vanuatu nursing students through its training programs.
The visit underscored a mutual commitment to supporting one another in delivering equitable, accessible and quality health services in the country but particularly to rural and remote communities.
Speaking after the meeting, both sides expressed optimism about strengthening bilateral ties and fostering closer collaboration in the health sector.
“This visit reflects our shared vision and common goal of standing together as Pacific Island nations to improve the health and wellbeing of our people,” said Mrs. McNeil.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services of the Solomon Islands looks forward to continued engagement with the Government of Vanuatu as both countries work together to build resilient and responsive health systems.
The Vanuatu Health Minister and delegation also visited the Comprehensive Medical Center (CMC) on the 1st May during his stay in the country. The Minister and his delegation expressed great admiration for the high level of tertiary healthcare services provided at the CMC and commended the MHMS and NRH Management, the local CMC staff, and the CMT Specialist team for their life-saving work. Following the visit, the MHMS Executive on behalf of the Acting Minister of Health, Bradley Tovosia hosted a dinner to acknowledge and thank the Vanuatu Health Minister and his delegation for their visit, as well as to acknowledge and celebrate the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the two countries.
SOURCE: MHMS PRESS RELEASE
