NATIONAL HEALTHY SETTINGS CONFERENCE UNDERWAY IN GIZO
By Aaron Szetu in Gizo, Western Province
The National Healthy Settings Conference was officially launched today in Gizo, Western Province under the theme: “Building Sustainable Healthy Settings in the Solomon Islands.”
The week-long event brings together health professionals, government officials, and donor partners to address key public health challenges, share experiences, and explore practical, community-focused solutions to improve health outcomes nationwide.
Delivering the keynote address, Premier of Western Province, Hon. Billy Veo, expressed appreciation to the national government for organizing the conference.
He acknowledged its importance in promoting health-centered development and strengthening provincial engagement.
” I would like to thank the government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for initiating this conference, as a platform for stakeholders, health professionals, and health workers and donor partners to be able to gather and discuss matters with regards to the health sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr. Nemia Bainivalu, emphasized the importance of the initiative.
” The National Health Strategic plan sees healthy settings as not merely a program, but a strategic approach to implementing population-focused health interventions throughout communities in the Solomon Islands.”
“Health does not begin in Health facilities. It begins in our homes, schools, work place and even our communities,” he said.
Participants from eight provinces are attending the event. Officers from Temotu Province were not able to attend due to travel limitations.
ENDS//