The Solomon Islands Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr Kaitu’u Tautai Angikimua, has addressed the 68th World Health Assembly, with a theme ‘Building Resilient Health Systems’, which took place in Geneva from 18-26 May 2015.
In his speech, the Minister highlighted key fundamental health challenges that Solomon Islands face in its national health system, which include the double burden of diseases for both communicable and non-communicable diseases and the impact of climate change on health and environment.
The Minister also pointed out that Solomon Islands is struggling to meet its MDGs due to the country’s inability to effectively coordinate different sectors which should assist the achievement of MDG indicators.
He said building resilient health systems need concerted efforts from both states and non-state actors.
The Minister said that Solomon Islands has put in place a health sector-wide policy that guides government with its development partners to better coordinate and align with Solomon Islands Government Priorities to deliver quality health services.
Health systems around the globe including Solomon Islands are challenged by new threats like Ebola in West Africa and outbreaks of noticeable diseases which result directly from weak health systems.
The Minister further reiterate that health systems can only be resilient and delivered if member states take the leading role and supported by development partners .
The World Health Assembly took place annually to address pressing health issues facing the globe.
Solomon Islands is represented by Minister Kaitu’u and Senior Government officials.
Source: Press Release, Government Communications Unit