The Solomon Islands Australia Partnership for Health (SIAPH) team on 18th June presented the SIAPH Technical Strategy and Annual Plan documents to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Executive and Heads of Departments (HODs).
During the presentation, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary, the Deputy Secretary Health Corporate Services (DSC) Mr. Layten Jacob said the session was important for the partnership.
He described the session as an opportunity to formally assess progress during the Inception Phase and ensure the next steps are fully aligned with the Ministry’s strategic direction.
“We welcome the partnership team’s structured, consultative approach over the last six months. The work to develop technical strategies, grant mechanisms, and shared planning systems has laid a solid foundation for implementation. I know that the Draft Annual Plan and Technical Strategy clearly reflect the Ministry’s priorities as outlined in the National Health Strategic Plan. They respond to the realities faced by provincial health departments and facility-level teams—those who carry the weight of service delivery under significant constraints”, said Mr Jacob.
He outlined the focus is on implementing activities and improving the performance of key health system functions: governance, provincial service delivery, financial accountability, and public trust.
“Technical assistance must be coordinated and purposeful.
Together, it must deliver real, measurable improvements in access, equity, and quality. We value the process that has brought us here. But today is not just a checkpoint—it is a decision point. Let us use this opportunity to confirm our shared direction, refine where needed, and commit to full implementation with a common purpose”, said Mr. Jacob.
In concluding his remarks, he said the Ministry looks forward to working closely with Australia under this new partnership in the months ahead as we work together to implement tangible, system-wide impacts.
DFAT First Secretary Health Ms. Elise Newton acknowledged the significant progress made during the inception phase of the four-year $150 million Solomon Islands Australia Health Partnership.
“Together we have disbursed over $13.7 million to every province in Solomon Islands and Honiara City Council to support essential health service delivery and taken important steps to improve quality and safety of health care through improved clinical governance. But most importantly, we are building the foundations for a strong partnership through close engagement, ownership and shared understandings.
End///
[MHMS]
