ON average, one infant dies daily in Solomon Islands, raising urgent concerns about maternal and child health services nationwide.
This heartbreaking revelation was presented by Chief Medical Statistician, Rebecca Manelase, during the second day of the National Healthy Settings Conference in Gizo last week.
According to Manelase, a total of 15,831 births were recorded in 2024, including both live births and stillbirths.
She said while 90 percent of these births occurred in health facilities, around 10 percent of mothers still delivered in villages, often without skilled medical assistance.
“An average of one stillbirth is recorded each day, while two infants die every week from complications that are largely preventable,” Manelase reported.
Equally worrying, she added, is the country’s low immunisation coverage.
Figures show that only 7.1 percent of children received the required vaccinations in 2024—far below the internationally recommended 80 percent.
“This low level of immunisation is a serious concern, as it leaves children highly vulnerable to preventable diseases,” Manelase stressed.
Maternal health also remains under pressure.
Seventeen mothers lost their lives during childbirth in 2024, compared to 14 maternal deaths recorded in 2023.
The statistics presented paint a troubling picture for the nation’s health system, underscoring the need for stronger interventions.
The National Healthy Settings Conference in Gizo last week bringing together government officials, health workers, professionals, development partners, and community leaders to discuss solutions aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.
After the conclusion of the conference a resolution was signed by Western Provincial Health and Medical Service (WPHMS) Director Dr. Dickson Boara and Deputy Secretary Dr Nemia Bainivalu which is to aimed at strengthening health initiatives across the country in the years to come.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Ends //with photos
1.PC- Photo: WHO/E.F. Tracey
- Western Provincial Health and Medical Service (WPHMS) Director Dr. Dickson Boara and Deputy Secretary Dr Nemia Bainivalu after the signing of the Health Resolution at the MSG complex in Gizo WP.
