GHLC cohort 2025 with Dr. Saia Maú Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific (WPRO) and the GHLC coordinators
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Principal Planning Officer, Ms. Priscilla Totorea Hiele is currently participating in the Global Health Learning Centre (GHLC) 2025 fellowship at the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) in Manila, Philippines.
The GHLC is WHO’s flagship capacity-building initiative in the region, designed to strengthen the leadership and technical competencies of mid-level government health officials. Following a nomination by the Solomon Islands Government, through Ministry of Health and Medical Services and successful selection by WHO, Ms. Hiele joined 23 other fellows from across the Western Pacific in a three-month fellowship running from 16 June to 12 September 2025.
This year’s GHLC includes three integrated modules:
• Module A (16–27 June): Course orientation and project planning (virtual)
• Module B (1 July–28 August): In-person technical, management, and leadership training at WPRO
• Module C (3–12 September): Virtual follow-up coaching to support implementation back home
Now in the fifth week of Module B, Ms. Hiele has been actively engaging in intensive in-person sessions focused on global health architecture, leadership, data analysis, policy planning, and communication. The program also includes interactive simulations, English technical writing support, and a collaborative group project addressing regional health priorities.
As part of GHLC 2025, fellows also participated in the inaugural ADB INSPIRE Health Forum from 7th to 11th July 2025, gaining direct exposure to regional strategies on health financing, non-communicable diseases, climate change, and universal health coverage.
Reflecting on her participation, Ms. Hiele shared,
“The program has been an empowering experience that broadened my perspective on regional and global health priorities. It strengthened my confidence to lead with inclusivity, build meaningful cross-sector networks, and apply what I’ve learnt to support strategic planning and strengthen health systems in the Solomon Islands.”
The GHLC programme was relaunched in 2025 after a one-year suspension and is now aligned with WHO’s broader Capacity and Leadership Strengthening Strategy and the Weaving Health vision for the Western Pacific Region. It is made possible through funding support from the Government of China.
Ms. Hiele’s participation reinforces the Solomon Islands’ ongoing commitment to strengthening public health leadership and systems, and her learnings will be vital in enhancing national and provincial health planning ‘efforts upon her return.
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