The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Solomon Islands with the support from UNICEF, DFAT and Government of Japan launches two document reports, 1. Report of Behavioural Drivers Research on Covid-19 and Routine Immunization in Solomon Islands and 2. National Immunization Demand Generation Strategy on 4th July in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
Health Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Pauline McNeil in her keynote address stated the launching event is an important milestone for both the Ministry of Health and UNICEF. She described the study is more than a report. “It is call to action. It provides a roadmap for how we can do better, together. Let’s us move forward with renewed purpose, guided by evidence, powered by community and driven by a shared vision of a healthier, and a more resilient Solomon Islands”.
Mrs. McNeil explained routine immunization is more than just a scheduled health intervention. It is lifesaving public good, a cornerstone of our health system, and a critical defence against the spread of preventable disease. It safeguards our children, protect our families, and strengthens the resilience of our entire nation. In the Solomon Islands, where our population is scattered across islands and geographies, maintain high immunization coverage is both a challenge and a necessity – one we must collectively commit to overcome.
She said the study provides us with something we have long needed – evidence-based insights into the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours that shape immunization uptake across our communities. She described as the findings are enlightening and urgent. It sheds light on the real-world barriers that stand between our children and the vaccines they need – from logistical obstacles to cultural beliefs, misinformation, and hesitancy rooted in fear or lack of awareness.
“These challenges are not insurmountable – but they do demand a coordinated, people – centered, and strategic approach. As a government, we are resolute in our determination to act on this evidence. With the insights from this research, we are better equipped to design robust communication strategies that speak to the heart and minds of our people, the dispel myths, that build trust, and that encourage acceptance of vaccines as a normal essential part of child health.
“In fact, I am pleased to share that an immunization Demand Generation Strategy has already been developed as one of the key recommendations arising from this study. This strategy will serve as a foundation for all our communication and community engagement efforts – ensuring that we are proactive, targeted and culturally sensitive in the way we generate awareness and drive demand for vaccines across the country”, said Mrs. McNeil.
She stated, our communities must be empowered with the knowledge, and our people must be engaged with empathy. The future of our immunization success depends not only on the availability of vaccines but also on the confidence of parents and caregivers to choose vaccination for their children.
She further stated, the study also rightly highlights the need of strengthen the capacity of our frontline works. “These men and women are the face of the health system, often the first and most trusted source of information to families. The Ministry of Health is committed to expanding training, supervision, and support for our healthcare workforce, so they are well-prepared not only to deliver services, but to advocate for them with compassion and clarity”.
To conclude, PS McNeil thanked UNICEF, DFAT and the Government of Japan for generously funding this study and strategy. She further thanked IPSOS who conducted the study with the engagement of Solomon Islands National University.
Meanwhile, UNICEF Chief of Field Office Mr. Benjamin Grubb stated the launching demonstrated the robust partnership between UNICEF and MHMS. Whereas, Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, Deputy Secretary for Teaching and Learning Mrs. Linda Wate stated MEHRD will support the initiative of immunization through schools and committed to strengthen the partnership to a healthy Solomon Islands.
End///
[MHMS]
