𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐙𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐖𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐄

Mrs. Anita Bula (HP) and Mrs. Joanica Gregory (midwife) giving awareness to ladies at Eleoteve

About 3,807 individuals both male and female across seven communities and two schools in South Vella La Vella, Western Province, have been informed about the importance of immunization.

This vital awareness campaign was delivered by the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands through its Demand Generation for Immunization Project (DGIP) which was funded by UNICEF.

The project is being implemented across three islands in the Western Province namely Roviana Lagoon, South Vella La Vella, and Kolombangara. It commenced in January 2025 and is scheduled to conclude in September 2025.

In South Vella La Vella, the project team successfully reached the remote communities of Niarovai, Kuava, Eleoteve, Joroveto, Maravari, Buleana, and Uzamba. The schools also reached include Eleoteve Primary School, Eleoteve High School, and Maravari Primary School. The awareness activities took place from the 5th to the 9th of May 2025.

The awareness sessions focused on routine immunization and HPV vaccination for girls aged 9–14. Key topics included understanding the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), how it spreads, the impact of the HPV vaccine on young girls, and cervical cancer,a major health concern for women in the Solomon Islands. Women aged 25–49 were encouraged to undergo the Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) test for early detection of cervical cancer.This initiative was supported by the Gynaecology Department of Gizo Hospital, Western Province.

According to Sharon Kele, DGIP Project Manager, the awareness campaign made a significant impact in these communities, with additional support from Joanica Gregory, a Gynae Nurse from Gizo Hospital.

“Women in the community appreciated the information shared, especially as it reminded parents and guardians of the importance of immunization’’
“Mothers expressed their commitment to ensuring their daughters receive the HPV vaccine. They now understand what HPV is and why girls aged 9–14 must be vaccinated,’’Ms Kele said.

She revealed that A total of 90 women came forward for the VIA test, conducted in Eleoteve a clinic that is still under development.

Ms. Kele described this as a “successful service that many women in the community had previously neglected.”

DGIP further reported that many of those who participated in the HPV screening were first-timers — particularly women in their 40s who had never undergone a VIA test. “Young women aged 19–20 and even those over 50 also participated. The turnout was driven by effective awareness and promotion, prompting mothers to bring their daughters after realizing the seriousness of cervical cancer and the importance of early screening’’

The overall aim of the DGIP project is to strengthen coordination and capacity-building for healthcare workers, promote immunization through schools and rural health units, and engage religious leaders to advocate for vaccination. The project also seeks to expand outreach programs to remote and underserved communities, ensuring access to essential health services and supporting efficient program management.

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[ADRA SI]