Australia is providing critical medical support, in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government, which will help ensure the safety and wellbeing of leaders and delegates attending the 2025 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Retreat in Noro, Western Province.
This medical support is part of Australia’s broader package of assistance for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.
At the request of Solomon Islands Government, an Australian Defence Force C-130J aircraft will transport four medical staff, vehicles, and essential medical equipment from Honiara to Munda ahead of the retreat. The aircraft will also return the equipment and personnel to Honiara once the retreat concludes.
To further strengthen emergency preparedness, Australia is also funding a dedicated medical evacuation helicopter for the duration of the retreat.
In coordination with Solomon Islands Government, the medical equipment being transported in the Australian Defence Force C130J Aircraft includes:
- A fully equipped St John Toyota Landcruiser 4WD ambulance
- Four hospital beds and two medical trolleys
- Two medical stretchers, four wheelchairs and three AED units
- Oxygen cylinders, manual defibrillators, IV drip stands, and pharmaceutical supplies
Four specialist medical staff will also accompany the equipment on the C-130 aircraft, including an Emergency Medicine Consultant, an Emergency Care Nurse, and a two-person ambulance team.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said the support underscores Australia’s commitment to the success of the Pacific Islands Forum Leader’s Meeting.
“Supporting the Solomon Islands Government to ensure that critical medical staff, vehicles and equipment are on hand to support a safe and successful Leaders’ Retreat is a top priority for Australia,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
At the request of Solomon Islands Government, Australia is supporting Solomon Islands as Forum host and Chair by providing a comprehensive package of support.
