WORK has already begun on redefining the health system architecture for Solomon Islands at both the national as well as at the provincial levels. .

Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Kaitu’u Tautai Angikimua informed the World Health Assembly (WHA) during his address last week in Geneva.

Dr Angikimua said the new structure intends to break down silos to allow for better integration of programmes and promote efficient use of limited resources for health.

He said to improve coordination, transparency and equitable distribution of external support, a Partnership Coordination unit has been established within the Ministry of Health.

“The message we keep advocating to our partners is to be “on systems, on plan, on budget”, which is basically a call on partners to work with us and build the capacity of the health system to sustain itself,” the Health Minister said.

However, Dr Angikimua draws on that Solomon Islands continues to benefit from the support from its development partners, including WHO towards these reforms.

“As a developing country with hundreds of small islands, the challenges facing our health system are well known. Yet there are opportunities for closer and enhanced cooperation that could yield positive outcomes.

“I would like to acknowledge the support rendered by our development partners, including some member states represented at this WHA.”