BY LESLEY FOINAGWA
Malaria elimination in Malaita Province requires a whole-of-province approach involving the government, health authorities, communities, schools, churches, businesses, landowners and development partners.
The approach is in line with Solomon Islands’ National Roadmap for Malaria Elimination 2026–2040, which aims to eliminate malaria by 2038 through whole-of-government and whole-of-society action.
A proposed “Healthy Malaita” approach focuses on keeping communities clean by clearing stagnant water, blocked drains, rubbish and other mosquito-breeding areas.
Households are also encouraged to properly use insecticide-treated mosquito nets, while targeted spraying should be carried out in areas identified by health authorities.
Another key focus is “Test, Treat and Track”, ensuring suspected cases are tested quickly, confirmed cases receive proper treatment, and health workers follow up cases in surrounding communities.
The proposal also recommends ward-level malaria monitoring, with schools playing an important role in awareness, environmental clean-ups and early referral of sick students.
Community malaria committees could also be established in high-risk wards to support prevention, awareness and monitoring alongside professional health workers.
The proposed vision is: “Healthy Malaita, Malaria-Free Malaita: Every Ward, Every Community, Every Household.”
The five key pillars are to stop mosquitoes, find infections, treat every case, track every case and mobilise communities.
The initiative calls on all sectors and communities in Malaita to work together towards zero indigenous malaria transmission and a healthier, malaria-free province.
