A mother from Naha has delivered the first baby born at the new Naha Birthing Centre since its official opening in Honiara.
Helma Sikekolo gave birth to a healthy boy weighing 3.2 kilograms at 12:40am on 8 October 2026, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Australian High Commission.
Ms Sikekolo and her husband, Mr Vatopu, thanked the health workers who assisted with the delivery.
The family lives in Naha 2. Their two older daughters were born at the National Referral Hospital and Gizo Hospital.
Mr Vatopu said being able to reach maternity care closer to home made a difference to his family.
“It gave us confidence knowing my wife could access care nearby when time came to give birth,” he said.
Maternity services closer to home
The Naha Birthing Unit has begun offering 24-hour services for low-risk births as the wider Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre moves towards round-the-clock operation.
Acting Health Permanent Secretary Dr Gregory Jilini said the birth marked a milestone for the new facility and for families who could now access maternity services closer to their communities.
Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said the centre was intended to help mothers and newborn babies receive safe care near their homes.
