Geneva, Switzerland – 22 May 2025 – The Honourable Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr. Paul Bosawai, has delivered a powerful address at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) side event titled “Tuberculosis in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings: A Call to Action.” The event, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, brought together global health leaders to confront the growing threat of tuberculosis (TB) in vulnerable regions.
Representing the Solomon Islands, Minister Bosawai stood alongside counterparts from Somalia, Papua New Guinea, and Central African Republic, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions to combat TB in fragile contexts. In his remarks, he highlighted the unique challenges faced by the Solomon Islands, including climate vulnerability, socio-economic fragility, and the rising threat of TB-HIV co-infection.
“We just cannot afford another public health emergency like TB,” said Minister Bosawai. “Our children and our beautiful island nations must not be left behind in global conversations. We owe it to them to act now.”
The Minister underscored the importance of data-driven strategies, community engagement, and international partnerships to strengthen TB prevention and treatment. He also reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ commitment to implementing a new national TB strategy in 2025, with support from global partners.
The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including:
Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director, WHO Global TB Programme
Dr. Eliud Wandwalo, Head of TB, The Global Fund
Ms. Helen Corrigan, Interim National Director, World Vision Solomon Islands
The dialogue was organized by World Vision, WHO and KNCV, and moderated by World Vision’s Dr. Norbert Rakiro, Chief of Party for the Global Fund TB Grant in Somalia.
Ms. Helen Corrigan, Interim National Director of World Vision Solomon Islands, reinforced the organization’s commitment, “World Vision reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ending tuberculosis – especially in the world’s most fragile, conflict-affected, and underserved settings, where health systems are often fractured, access is limited, and communities face compounding vulnerabilities. We believe that no child should be left behind in the fight against TB.”
Minister Bosawai’s participation reflects the Solomon Islands’ growing leadership in regional and global health advocacy. His call to action resonated with attendees, reinforcing the need for collective accountability and sustained investment to end TB, especially in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
End///
[MHMS]
