The Pacific Regional Infectious Diseases Association (PRIDA) has completed a successful overseas support visit to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara from October 5 to 17, 2025.
This visit marks another milestone in PRIDA’s long-standing commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and fostering collaborative partnerships in the Pacific.
The mission focused on providing mentorship and technical support across key departments, including Medical, Pharmacy, Microbiology Laboratory, and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC).
The PRIDA team, comprising consultants Dr. Matthew Mason, Ms.Wendy Jackson, Ms. Mieke Hutchinson-Kern, and Ms. Chin-Yen Yeo, worked closely with local NRH counterparts to enhance clinical practices, data reporting, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection prevention and control measures.
“This visit reinforces PRIDA and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ shared commitment to improving patient care and public health outcomes in the Solomon Islands,” said Dr. Matthew Mason, IPC Consultant.
“We are proud to continue building on the strong foundation of collaboration with NRH and national stakeholders.”
Key objectives of the visit included:
- Mentoring and training of pharmacy and laboratory staff.
- Supporting antimicrobial stewardship activities and data communication.
- Enhancing IPC surveillance and committee functions.
- Strengthening ties with Solomon Islands National University and the WHO Country Office.
- Contributing to the review of national antibiotic guidelines.
The visit also provided an opportunity to assess the impact of the newly opened Comprehensive Medical Centre at NRH and to explore the development of formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to enhance accountability, transparency and sustainability.
As part of the visit, the PRIDA team met the NRH CEO, Dr. George Malefoasi to build trust and confidence in PRIDA’s partnership with NRH.
Dr. George is happy with the visit and thankful to PRIDA’s commitment to support NRH since its inception.
A courtesy visit to the Australian High Commission office was undertaken to share what the PRIDA team has been doing for the country since its partnership with the Ministry.
PRIDA was formed in Honiara in 2017 and has since played a pivotal role in supporting healthcare professionals across the Pacific.
This visit continues PRIDA’s tradition of collaborative engagement, capacity building, and knowledge exchange.
– NRH
Lead Photo caption: PRIDA met Dr. George Malefoasi, Chief Executive Officer of National Referral Hospital (From left: Dr. George Malefoasi, Ms. Chin-Yen Yeo – Pharmacy/AMS, Dr. Matthew Mason – IPC Consultant, Ms. Wendy Jackson – Microbiologist and Mr. Frank Kade – Health Partnership Coordinator)
