In promoting and supporting inclusive leadership and decision-making—where everyone, including persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups, has a voice, access, and equal participation in government processes, policies, and services—the National Rehabilitation and Disability Division of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) rolled out the Disability Inclusive Development awareness and advocacy sessions with key government stakeholders.
The sessions were conducted and delivered for officials of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) on Thursday, 26 June, and followed by sessions delivered for the Leadership Code Commission, Office of the Ombudsman, and the National Parliament on Friday, 27 June 2025. The initiative was supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of ongoing policy dialogue efforts and disability inclusiveness.
These sessions focused on the sensitization of the Solomon Islands National Disability Inclusive Development Policy 2023–2031 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Participants expressed that the discussions helped stimulate awareness and realization of the importance of inclusivity, equality, and equity in governance and institutional systems.
Mr. Fletcher Fulairara, Director of Civil Aviation-Policy (MCA), acknowledged that while the National ICT Policy includes disability mainstreaming, there remains a gap within civil aviation. He emphasized the need to improve accessibility in infrastructure design, particularly at transport facilities.
Mr. Chris Hunupauro, Supervising Permanent Secretary (MMERE), highlighted the importance of disability data in guiding inclusive planning and service delivery. Mrs. Annie Diau, Human Resource Manageress (MMERE), raised concerns about occupational stress and burnout, noting that such challenges can lead to depression and negatively impact workers’ mental health. Dr. Rex Maukera, Head of Psychiatry at the National Referral Hospital, who joined the session at MMERE, emphasized the importance of mental health in the workplace. He referred to last year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”, and called for urgent action to prevent psychosocial risks and support mental wellbeing at work. He also supports the ideas for the establishment of counselling hub, particularly for public officers, and stressed the urgency of reviewing and enacting the Mental Health Act to meet increasing service demand and align with the UNCRPD.
Mr. Nelson Dhita, Director Legal (Office of the Ombudsman), stressed the need for a strong oversight mechanism to monitor the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities under the UNCRPD. He recognized the Ombudsman’s role and called for reforms to promote inclusivity within both the Office of the Ombudsman and the Leadership Code Commission.
Mr. Jefferson Halu, Clerk of the National Parliament, reaffirmed Parliament’s role in holding the government accountable for implementing ratified international conventions such as the UNCRPD. He noted that Parliament is initiating reforms with an inclusive lens, including efforts to make its facilities and services more accessible to all.
On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Mr. Elwin Taloimatakwa, Disability and Program Coordinator, expressed appreciation to Accountable Officers, Human Resource Managers, Executive Personal Secretaries, and all staff who helped organize and actively participated in the sessions. He acknowledged their continued partnership and commitment to advancing the disability inclusion agenda within their respective ministries and constitutional offices. Mr Taloimatakwa also expressed gratitude to WHO for the financial support in enabling the sessions to take place.
To date, twenty three of Government Ministries and constitutional offices have undergone the sensitization sessions on disability covering two hundred and ninety of Government officials. The Ministry of Health anticipates to rollout out this programme to the Provinces as well as the Private Sector.
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