Honiara, Solomon Islands Friday 24th April- Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele has welcomed a major nationwide initiative by the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) aimed at promoting peace, unity and community well-being across Solomon Islands, while complementing Government’s efforts in national development.
The initiative, “Solomon Islands Mission for Christ 2026,” will bring together churches, communities and stakeholders across the country, with a strong focus on peace-building, spiritual renewal and addressing key social challenges, including the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Details of the initiative were formally presented to the Prime Minister during a courtesy call by an SDA delegation led by Pastor Linray Tutuo, General Secretary of the SDA Solomon Islands Mission.
As part of the lead-up to the national program, the SDA Church will host a Health Expo from 11–16 May 2026 at Lawson Tama in Honiara, with simultaneous rollouts in provincial centres.
The Expo is expected to bring together more than 350 health personnel and will provide free health services, including screening for non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure.
The Health Expo will be delivered in collaboration with various stakeholders and will include participation from both local and international health professionals under initiatives such as the “10,000 Toes” campaign.
The SDA Church is also extending invitations to other churches through the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) and the Solomon Islands Full Gospel Association (SIFGA), reflecting a collaborative, whole-of-society approach.
Further community outreach programs will target young people through health and education initiatives.
The “Solomon Islands Schools for Christ” program will be held from 16–23 May 2026, providing counselling and support services to students in SDA-operated schools across the country.
The main “Solomon Islands Mission for Christ 2026” program will take place from 5–18 July 2026, bringing together communities across Solomon Islands in a coordinated effort to promote unity, strengthen families and encourage positive social transformation.
The delegation also highlighted that Hope Channel Solomon Islands, the official media platform of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the country and part of the global Hope Channel network, has already commenced nationwide promotion of the programs through television, radio and online platforms to ensure communities are informed and engaged ahead of the upcoming initiatives.
Also speaking during the courtesy visit, Dr. Chester Kuma, an Adventist medical professional widely respected for his work in public health and surgical medicine across the Pacific, highlighted the growing concern over non-communicable diseases in the country.
He noted his involvement in the regional “10,000 Toes” campaign, an initiative aimed at addressing the rise of lifestyle-related diseases, particularly diabetes, across Pacific Island countries.
In welcoming the initiative, Prime Minister Manele thanked the SDA Church for its continued prayers and longstanding contributions to the country.
The Prime Minister emphasised that churches play a vital role in the spiritual well-being of the people, which contributes directly to a peaceful and stable society.
He acknowledged the significant work of the SDA Church in key sectors such as health and education, describing these contributions as critical to improving the welfare of Solomon Islanders.
Prime Minister [PM] Manele also commended the Church for its proactive approach in supporting national priorities, particularly through the upcoming Health Expo in May and the nationwide outreach programs scheduled for May and July.
“Transformation begins with individuals, and I am encouraged to see the SDA Church taking a leading role in supporting our people and complementing the work of Government,” Prime Minister Manele said.
He reiterated the importance of partnership, calling on churches, the private sector and all stakeholders to continue working together with the Government to advance development, strengthen communities and promote unity across the country.
Prime Minister Manele expressed appreciation to the SDA Church and all churches for their continued prayers and support, noting that such collective efforts contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
– OPMC
