Solomon Islands Health Care and Capacity Building
The people of the Solomon Islands face many problems, mostly related to the remoteness of many communities, transport issues and a lack of communication facilities. In many areas access to health care is limited and unaffordable. The churches play a key role in the provision of these services.
In April 2007 a massive earthquake caused tsunami waves of up to 4 metres high. These waves had a devastating effect on coastal communities and the official death toll reached 52. Hundreds of families lost their homess, some schools have disappeared and some major health facilities were extensively damaged
In the wake of the tsunami in 2007 UnitingWorld provided assistance to rebuild infrastructure in many locations. However it is vital that continued support is given, especially in the area of health care.
UnitingWorld is building the capacity of the United Church in the Solomon Islands Health Service to ensure it has the resources and training to assist the community in the area of health. This includes building appropriate agreements with government and internal processes to deliver effective health services on the ground, including services relating to the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
