WESTERN Province Deputy Premier, Hon. Brian Lotikena, has underscored the importance of strategic planning and timely interventions in strengthening the country’s health outcomes.
Hon. Lotikena made the remarks during the closing program of the National Healthy Settings Conference in Gizo on Friday.
He said the conference has provided a platform for provincial leaders, health officials, and stakeholders to reflect on challenges while charting a way forward.
“Strategic plans and interventions are vital if we are to make meaningful progress in addressing health challenges across our communities,” Hon. Lotikena emphasized.
He also highlighted one of the chronic challenges facing the health sector—the lack of close coordination among stakeholders.
“Everybody seems to be operating within their own shores without knowing what is happening in other sectors. We appear to be paddling our own canoes in open waters without looking out for each other,” Mr Lotikena said.
He described such an approach as contrary to Solomon Islands’ cultural values of unity and collective responsibility.
“This kind of behaviour goes against our culture. In our traditional and cultural settings, we always look out for each other,” he added.
The Deputy Premier stressed that it is time for government ministries, provincial sectors, NGOs, donor partners, and all stakeholders to set aside individualistic approaches and find ways to coordinate and work together
The Deputy Premier commended the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, development partners, and provincial health authorities for their collaboration during the week-long gathering.
He further urged provinces to ensure that resolutions signed at the conference are translated into real actions that will benefit communities on the ground.
The conference concluded with the signing of a joint resolution by Western Provincial Health and Medical Services (WPHMS) Director, Dr. Dickson Boara, and Deputy Secretary of Health, Dr. Nemia Bainivalu.
The resolution commits stakeholders to strengthen health initiatives nationwide in the coming years.
This followed by presentation of gifts done by Western Province to all the other provinces.
Participants agreed that the resolution marked a milestone in uniting provinces under one framework to tackle issues such as maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and access to safe water and sanitation.
The National Healthy Settings Conference was held in Gizo from Monday to Friday and brought together representatives from all provinces, NGOs, and international partners.
Meanwhile, the next host for the Healthy Setting Conference will be held in Central Province.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Photo caption: Western Province Deputy Premier Hon. Brian Lotikena delivering his closing remarks.
