Health Ministry launches training to strengthen Healthy Settings advocacy and improve community health across provinces
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services, through its Health Promotion Department, has commenced a five-day training workshop in Honiara to strengthen the Provincial Healthy Settings Advocacy and Mobilization initiative.
The workshop, which began on Tuesday, aims to enhance leadership, partnerships, and community action to address key health challenges across the provinces.
Provincial Health Director for Honiara City Council (HCC), Dr Lawrence Diau, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility.
“I would like to highlight the need to take ownership at all levels of government, provincial authorities, communities, and NGOs so we can work together to find solutions,” Dr Diau said.
The training seeks to raise awareness among provincial leaders, government agencies, and community representatives about the Healthy Settings approach. It also promotes the integration of the approach into provincial development plans and sector policies.
Zone Supervisor for Central, Mataniko Clinic, Barbara Quiro, highlighted ongoing challenges related to malaria.
“Malaria has become a major health issue within our health system. There are challenges with drug availability and shortages of malaria commodities when patients come to the clinic,” she said.
The program focuses on building the capacity of provincial health officers, Healthy Settings Coordinating Committees, and other local stakeholders to effectively plan, implement, and monitor health initiatives.
By strengthening collaboration between the health, education, environment, and local government sectors, the initiative aims to support the creation of healthier communities. It also advances the National Healthy Settings Strategy and the National Health Strategic Plan 2022–2030, contributing to improved public health outcomes nationwide.
By: Steven Kamoa
