The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), through the National Nursing Administration Division, and the Solomon Islands Nursing Council, conducted an in-country workshop on Nursing Regulation, Standards and Accreditation dated 13 to 16 October 2026, with support from the Australian Government through DFAT, and the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at the University of Technology Sydney.
Strengthening Health Workforce in the Pacific (Nursing and Midwifery) Program aims to build a sustainable and resilient health workforce and strengthen population health and health systems in the 13 Pacific Island Countries (PICs), including Solomon Islands, by improving and enhancing nursing and midwifery leadership, governance, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), regulation, and consistent competencies for standards for practice across the region.
It is being delivered under the Programme for Strengthening Health Workforce (Nursing and Midwifery) in the Pacific, implemented by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at the University of Technology Sydney, under the Partnerships for a Healthy Region Initiative by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Australian Government.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Morris Toiraena, acknowledged and thanked the Australian Government through DFAT, WHO, WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Development at the University of Technology Sydney, MHMS National Nursing Division and the Nursing Council for their continued support and partnership in strengthening nursing and midwifery in Solomon Islands.
Minister Toiraena said the workshop builds on the momentum of the Pacific Leadership Programme held in Sydney in 2025, during which Solomon Islands fellows initiated the development of a national task force to strengthen nursing regulation and registration.
“Today, we take the next important step in that journey,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that nurses and midwives make up the majority of the regulated health workforce across the Pacific and play a critical role in delivering services to communities, clinic level and during health emergencies.
However, he noted that their ability to provide safe and quality care depends on strong systems, including modern legislation, effective governance, clear professional standards, quality education, accreditation and continuing professional development.
He highlighted the review of the Nursing Council Act as an important national priority, consistent with the National Health Strategic Plan’s direction to review and modernise health laws and regulations in line with current health-sector strategies and policies.
“This work is not simply about regulation. It is about protecting patients, improving the quality of care and strengthening public confidence in our health services,” Minister Toiraena said.
He added that a strong regulatory framework is essential to ensuring nurses and midwives are adequately prepared, professionally supported and accountable to appropriate standards of practice.
The Minister further stressed that a well-regulated health workforce is fundamental to national health security, strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to epidemics, natural disasters, climate-related impacts and other public health emergencies.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening health workforce capacity, welfare, leadership, retention, specialisation and professional standards, while promoting ethical practice, accountable leadership, effective supervision and clear performance expectations throughout the health sector.
Minister Toiraena encouraged participants to engage openly and constructively throughout the workshop, share experiences, examine existing challenges and identify practical solutions that can be translated into meaningful national action.
He emphasised that the success of the workshop would be measured not only by the discussions held but also by the actions and improvements that follow.
The two-day workshop provides an important opportunity for Solomon Islands and its Pacific partners to strengthen nursing and midwifery regulation, improve professional standards and support the development of a safer, more resilient and responsive health system.
Through continued collaboration with regional and international partners, MHMS aims to strengthen the nursing and midwifery professions and improve the quality and safety of healthcare for all Solomon Islanders.
Meanwhile, the Australian Government through DFAT and the World Health Organization reaffirms their commitment to support continue support the nursing sector in the Solomon Islands.
