GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and the Solomon Islands Government have held fruitful discussions on the delivery of immunization and strengthening of the local health care system amidst the increasing health risks posed by the current climate crisis.
Climate change is one of the main reasons for the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases globally – through climate-sensitive diseases, including vectors expanding into new regions.
Gavi Chief Executive Officer Dr Sania Nishtar together with Health Minister Dr Paul Bosawai, MHMS Health Executives, the Vaccine Alliance, World Bank and UNICEF highlighted these issues during a courtesy call to Hon Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele in Honiara.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Manele and Dr Nishtar discussed the long-term partnership between Gavi and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Gavi’s mandate to facilitate access to vaccines to the Solomon Islands and other Pacific Countries, dealing with the current climate crisis.
During discussions, the Hon. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele pledged Solomon Islands’ continuous support for Gavi and thanked Gavi for providing vaccines for the children of Solomon Islands.
“Health is a challenge but a priority for my government. As a small Island country, Solomon Islands is exposed to the health and security impacts of Climate Change. The Government for National Unity and Transformation acknowledges the partnership between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and Gavi, pledging our firm backing”.
Health Minister Dr Bosawai also shared Solomon Islands vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and its impacts on the country’s health sector.
“Solomon Islands is highly vulnerable to climate change, with frequent climate-related disasters such as cyclones, flooding, and sea-level rise posing significant challenges. This disrupts the delivery of essential health services, making it difficult to maintain continuity of care. Remote and isolated populations, who already face barriers to accessing healthcare, become even harder to reach during disasters due to damaged roads, limited transportation, and logistical constraints. Health infrastructure, including clinics and medical supply chains, are frequently damaged or forced to shut down, further compromising access to services,” said Minister Bosawai
The Minister’s sentiments were endorsed by Prime Minister Manele.
Gavi CEO Dr Sania Nishtar acknowledged Prime Minister Manele and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for the warm reception upon arrival and expressed continued commitment to national immunization efforts.
“The Solomon Islands is one of the countries most vulnerable to the climate crisis, which can have a catastrophic and sudden impact on health systems, and can also exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. Our Alliance is committed to supporting the Government’s goals to reach zero-dose children, restore immunization coverage to pre-pandemic levels and strengthen resilience against future health and climate threats,” said Dr Nishtar.
Speaking in a previous meeting the day before on behalf of the Vaccine alliance –which includes core partners World Bank, WHO and UNICEF, UNICEF Pacific’s Chief of Solomon Islands Field Office, Benjamin Grubb expressed the alliance’s continuous support for Gavi’s work in the Solomon Islands.
“We recognize and celebrate the profound impact Gavi has had on the children, people and communities throughout the country. Through this commitment, generations of children in Solomon Islands have been protected from vaccine preventable diseases, not only through routine immunizations but also through strengthening health systems and the access to life saving services. We are committed to doing our part, and with ongoing funding in partnership with Gavi, we can achieve our shared vision for a healthier Solomon Islands,” said Mr Grubb.
Officials from Gavi MHMS, UNICEF and Gavi CEO Dr Nishtar with HCC Health Director Dr Diau and nurses at Mataniko Clinic
Meanwhile, after the courtesy visit to the Prime Minister Office the CEO visited the Mataniko Clinic where she witnessed firsthand mothers bringing in their babies for their monthly check-ups and immunization shots. Dr Nishtar was gifted with a traditional necklace by the Clinic staff. The CEO and delegation left the country.
