The Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunisation, GAVI, new Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Dr. Sania Nishtar undertook a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele MP.
CEO Dr. Sania was touched by the warm welcome and traditional gift presented to her by Prime Minister Manele, a gesture she respectfully reciprocated.
Dr. Sania took the time to explain to Prime Minister Manele, the objectives of her visit to the Solomon Islands.
Firstly, to pay respect to the leaders of developing countries, learn and understand health challenges focal points such as the Ministry of Health and Medical Services face, take back lessons learned and explore how best GAVI can support Solomon Islands and the Pacific.
Dr. Sania assures PM Manele, her delegation is taking a new proposal to the GAVI board to continue support to Solomon Islands beyond 2025. Under current dispensation, GAVI’s support to Solomon Islands ends in 2025.
She is optimistic, the GAVI- Solomon Islands partnership will continue beyond 2026.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manele appreciate Dr. Sania’s brief visit and GAVI’s assistance to Solomon Islands spaning almost two decades to date.
Prime Minister Manele adds, Health is a challenge but remains a priority for his government.
He thanks GAVI and its partners for assisting Solomon Islands’ Health sector.
PM Manele explains, with the magnitude and frequency of Climate Change impacts, serious health and security shocks are inevitable.
As a small Islands country, Solomon Islands is exposed to the negative environmental impacts of Climate Change. It hasn’t been easy for successive governments, underlined the Prime Minister.
He however appreciates the partnership between Ministry of Health and Medical services and GAVI and assure CEO Sania of his government’s strong support.
The Minister of Health and Medical Services Hon. Paul Popora Bosawai MP also joined Prime Minister Manele in acknowledging GAVI and its partners for providing life- saving vaccines and immunisation to Solomon Islands.
The Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunisation is a crucial partner and lifesaver, concluded Health Minister Popora.
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PM Press Secretariat
