The Oral Health Pacific Islands Alliance (OPIA) conference convened key partners including WHO, UNICEF, the International College of Dentists (ICD), and the Clare Foundation, alongside regional participants to advance the integration of clinical governance in Oral Health into Primary Health Care (PHC) as part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the Pacific from 1st to 3rd September 2025, in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The conference focused on reviewing progress since the Suva Declaration (2023) and introducing the Bangkok Declaration (2024), both framed within global commitments to UHC and the Declaration of Astana (2018). Discussions emphasized strengthening regional mechanisms for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and cross-sectoral partnerships to accelerate the integration of oral health into national health strategies across Pacific Island Countries and Territories.
Representing Solomon Islands at the conference were, Dr Ellison Vane, Head of Dental Department, Dr Charles Sulu Senior Dentist NRH and Dr Mishella Moveni Senior Dentist NRH, who also showcased the clinical governance journey under the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership for Health support to NRH. Their presentation underscored significant improvements in governance, quality assurance, and safety within oral health services.
Dr Vane’s participation in the Australian Institute of Clinical Governance (AICG) 3-days Clinical Governance Training held in June 2025 at Heritage Park Hotel marked a growing emphasis on clinical governance capacity. The clinical governance discussions were warmly received and aligned with the WHO Global Oral Health Strategy 2023–2030, reinforcing the importance of embedding oral health governance within UHC frameworks.
Additionally, Dr Vane, and Dr Sulu along with other seven Doctors from Vanuatu and Fiji were inducted as Fellows of the International College of Dentists, a prestigious recognition of Solomon Islands’ leadership in regional and international oral health circles. This is part of the ICD commitment to honor the dental professionals whose careers are marked by outstanding achievement, meritorious service, and dedication to the advancement of dentistry—all for the benefit of humanity.
In response to this fine achievement, Dr Sulu said, “We are really humbled to be representing our country and profession. This opens new opportunities for partnership and collaboration with other professional organizations in the region and around the world, particularly in the areas of public service, clinical research, and professional development. With recognition for service comes responsibility”.
The conference reinforced the need to embed oral health within UHC and PHC through:
• Design of essential oral health packages
• Workforce development
• Interprofessional collaboration
Sessions addressed integration with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and practical strategies for sustainable health outcomes. Delegates emphasized the importance of including oral health from the outset of health programming, reflecting strong regional support for elevating oral health on national and regional agendas.
The event positioned Pacific-wide progress as integral to global strategies, offering practical pathways and partnerships to translate governance and clinical improvements into long-term health outcomes.
Meanwhile, Dental Unit NRH thanked and acknowledged Pacific Community (SPC), Oral Health Pacific Islands Alliance, and South Austral Pty Ltd for financially assisting the team to attend OPIA conference, and, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services Executive for continuous support to the Dental Unit.
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