Global Fund Grants Solomon Islands US$8 Million to Combat Tuberculosis and Malaria

May 20, 2024

From left to right: Sandra Irbe, Senior Fund Portfolio Manager from the Global Fund, Tristan Amstrong, Counsellor of Human Development from DFAT, Jimmy Nadapdap, Country Director of World Vision, main recipient of the grant, Dr. Howard Sobel, WHO Country Representative and Chairman of the Country Management Mechanism of the Global Fund in Solomon Islands, Jennifer Water, Representative from Development Service Exchange, Civic Society organization, and Ms. Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and Medical Services of Solomon Islands

UNDP

Honiara, Solomon Islands: The Solomon Islands celebrates a monumental step forward in the battle against tuberculosis and malaria after the signing of a crucial new grant agreement with the Global Fund. This significant investment of US$8 million for the years 2024-2026 marks a pivotal moment for the country's healthcare landscape.

The Global Fund, renowned for its worldwide dedication to ending the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, stands as a beacon of hope for nations grappling with these enormous health challenges. In Solomon Islands, where these diseases pose significant threats to public health, the grant represents a lifeline for bolstering healthcare infrastructure and empowering communities.

Previously, the Global Fund had two active investments in Solomon Islands, with funding totaling US$9.2 million allocated for 2021-2023. While the country has made progress against malaria and tuberculosis, challenges remain.

The Solomon Islands, consisting of six major islands and more than 900 smaller islands remain one of the most malaria-endemic areas in the Western Pacific region. This makes protecting gains in the annual parasite incidence (API) rate an ongoing challenge. Although, the API rate was drastically reduced between the mid-90s and 2014, it has almost quadrupled since. Returning to pre-2015 API rates is a priority.

Trends in TB cases and deaths have remained relatively unchanged, there are still progress against the disease on many fronts such as treatment success and cases of drug-resistant TB.

The new grant of the Global Fund to Solomon Islands aims to:

• Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: by building and maintaining healthcare facilities, procuring essential medical equipment, and enhancing the skills of healthcare workers, the country's capacity to diagnose, treat, and prevent these diseases.
• Community Empowerment and Engagement: Emphasizing community involvement, grant-supported programs will empower local communities, raise awareness about health issues, and foster behaviours conducive to disease prevention and control.
• Capacity Building and Sustainability: Through training healthcare professionals, improving laboratory facilities, and strengthening healthcare management systems, the grant will foster sustainable solutions to the health challenges posed by tuberculosis and malaria, ensuring long-term effectiveness.
• Align with National Health Priorities: Aligned with Solomon Islands' health goals and strategies, the grant will efficiently address the most pressing health needs of the population, maximizing its impact within resource constraints.

Signing ceremony of the new grant. From left to right: Jimmy Nadapdap, Country Director of World Vision, main recipient of the grant, Dr. Howard Sobel, WHO Country Representative and Chairman of the Country Management Mechanism of the Global Fund in Solomon Islands, and Jennifer Water, Representative from Development Service Exchange, Civic Society organization,

UNDP

Sandra Irbe, Senior Fund Portfolio Manager from the Global Fund, stated, “The grants seek to maintain support of the Global Fund and its partners to Solomon Islands with looking into how the care can be moved closer to the communities. Currently state hospitals are overburden, especially for women and vulnerable communities. We need to be agile and bring care closer to those who need it adapting to the specific needs of the diverse populations in the Solomon Islands.”

Tristan Amstrong, Counsellor of Human Development from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the Solomon Islands, one of the contributors to the Global Fund, considered the grant “a critical contribution for Solomon Islands given the burden of malaria in this country. However, I hope we can control both of these diseases, we had them controlled in the past and we can do it again.”

Jimmy Nadapdap, Country Director of World Vision and the main recipient of the grant expressed his gratitude, saying: "This moment represents long time efforts for World Vision, our organization that last year celebrated 40 years. Our health programming is very strong and addressing malaria in Solomon Islands has become central to our focus."

Dr. Howard Sobel, World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative and chairman of the Country Management Mechanism of the Global Fund in Solomon Islands, emphasized, “How much ground was lost after COVID, similar to the time right after World War II when WHO was born. So, we have a lot of work to do but also good opportunities with funding like this.” He extended WHO support to partner and collaborate to continue the work.

Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and Medical Services of Solomon Islands, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the government for this support to the country and congratulated World Vision “for taking the burden to lead on this and I extend the ministry’s support to work together in the implementation strategy.”

Georgina Kilua, representing UNDP and serving as the Oversight Officer of the Global Fund Country Management Mechanism, underscored the importance of effective resource utilization: "By adhering to the terms of the grant agreement and leveraging resources effectively, we can maximize the impact of this investment and drive positive change in public health outcomes."

This momentous occasion heralds a new chapter in Solomon Islands' journey towards a healthier and more resilient future. With the unwavering support of the Global Fund and the dedication of all stakeholders, the nation is poised to overcome the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all its citizens.

For more information or media inquiries please contact:

Daniel C. Gonzalez, Communications Analyst, UNDP Solomon Islands Office, daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org +677 7740740/ +34 656560270