Ms. Hitomi Sugihara, JICA volunteer, finally arrived in Munda, Western Province on 3rd February 2025! She was warmly welcomed by Mr. David Gapirongo, Hospital Secretary, and Ms. Philistus Ide, Coordinator of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) section at Helena Goldie Hospital.
Mr. David expressed his gratitude for JICA’s continuous commitment to the hospital and his expectations for her positive impact on the staff and communities in Munda. Ms. Hitomi will contribute to enhancing awareness regarding NCDs and the importance of maintaining good health during her two-year assignment. This is her second opportunity to participate in JICA volunteer program, with her first assignment in Laos, Southeast Asia.
She shared her first impression as follows: I heard NCDs have become widely recognized in Solomon Islands in recent years. I believe it is particularly essential to prevent diabetes, as many patients with NCDs have these symptoms. Reducing the number of patients is not an easy task, but I would like to contribute to the health of Solomon Islanders in Munda by utilizing my experience as a nurse in Japan and Laos.”
Her work has just begun. We are excited to see the impact she will create with her colleagues in the future!
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-JICA
