The Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM Global) ran weeklong HIV complex clinical case management training for clinicians at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) and HCC clinics, from Monday 29 September 2025 to Thursday 2nd October.
It focussed on new treatments, prescribing, best practice case load management and identifying health workforce support needs. It also included clinical mentoring to support ongoing knowledge sharing and capacity building across the health sector. This initiative equips Solomon Island health workforce with vital skills and knowledge in management of advanced HIV disease.
“This training is a timely and important step in strengthening HIV response capacity in Solomon Islands,” said Dr Jackson Rakei, Director HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis program at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services
“Equipping our clinicians with current knowledge and practical skills is essential to improving care and reducing transmission. We are grateful for ASHM’s continued support and collaboration,” said Dr Rakei.
He stated, in light of the surge in HIV cases since last year and the emergence of advanced HIV disease with HIV in pregnancy amongst the detected HIV patients, the training was timely to equip clinicians on management of HIV patients.
He added, the participants of the training included 21 clinicians from NRH, 3 clinicians from HCC and 2 clinicians from Guadalcanal province. It also included a laboratory technician and 2 pharmacy officers. “On the last day of training a 2-hour session on prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B was held for 30 midwives from NRH, Guadalcanal province clinics and Honiara City Council clinics combined. It focussed on strengthening point of care testing on antenatal mothers, early detection and early initiation of treatment to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B,” said Dr Rakei.
Meanwhile, the updated HIV statistics as of September 30th 2025:
- Cumulative total – 74 cases
- Patients who died from HIV – 27
- Repatriated to home countries – 4
- Total no. of PLHIV – 44
- Total on treatment – 42
- Not on treatment – 2
- New cases as of Sept. 30th 2025 – 26
The training was jointly organised by ASHM Global and Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Service, aligning with their National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2031. It was funded under ASHM (Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Reproductive Health).
ASHM Health has previously delivered similar trainings in the Solomon Islands, both face-to-face and virtually, covering HIV and Hepatitis B. This is the first in-depth HIV clinical training in nearly ten years.
The workshop facilitated by experienced Australian clinicians, was part of Australia’s broader clinical support in Health Services for the people of Solomon Islands. The training and support complements the Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership, help addressing key challenges such as lengthy pre-testing counselling procedures and gaps in clinical confidence around HIV case management.
Therefore, the Ministry thanked Australian Government for both the technical and financial support to make this training come into fruition.
