Health workers from across Temotu Province gathered in Lata to strengthen their capacity to protect communities from the growing impacts of climate change and natural disasters.
The Pilot Training on Climate Health and Disaster Risk Management (DRM), organized by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and UNDP helps frontline workers prepare for the health challenges brought about by extreme weather, sea-level rise, and disease outbreaks.
Temotu, one of the most remote provinces in Solomon Islands, often faces cyclones, flooding, and food insecurity. The three-day training provided practical tools and hands-on exercises to help doctors, nurses, and public health officers develop local action plans and standard operating procedures for disaster preparedness and response.
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The training demonstrates the strong partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and its development partners in building a safer, healthier, and more resilient nation. Photo: WHO/Ruel Serrano
The training demonstrates the strong partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and its development partners in building a safer, healthier, and more resilient nation. Photo: WHO/Ruel Serrano
“Our purpose is clear: to strengthen our capacity. Our doctors, nurses, environmental health officers, and public health staff to identify, prepare for, and respond to these climate-sensitive health risks and disasters,” said Temotu Provincial Health Director Dr Lynnson Yai.
“The insights and experiences that you may gather here will help us refine and also strengthen the national training plan, for ensuring that we have a practical training plan, locally, and relevant. It will also help ensure that we are able to respond to the diverse realities that you may face in communities,” said Environmental Health Director Mrs Ethel Mapolu, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of Health, Mrs Pauline McNeil.
A key feature of the training is the launch of the first National Training Guide on Climate Health and Disaster Risk Management, developed by MHMS and WHO. The guide will later be integrated into the curriculum of the Solomon Islands National University, contributing to health workforce development and ensuring that future health professionals are prepared to address climate-related health threats at the point of care close to the communities.
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A key feature of the training is the launch of the first National Training Guide on Climate Health & Disaster Risk Management, developed by MHMS and WHO, which will be integrated into the curriculum of SINU, contributing to health workforce development. Photo: WHO/Ruel Serrano
The training is part of the regional project “Building Resilience of Health Systems in Pacific Least Developed Countries to Climate Change”. It demonstrates the strong partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and its development partners in building a safer, healthier, and more resilient nation.
The training is part of the regional project “Building Resilience of Health Systems in Pacific Least Developed Countries to Climate Change”. It demonstrates the strong partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and its development partners in building a safer, healthier, and more resilient nation.
“On behalf of WHO, I want to acknowledge the strong leadership of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and thank our partners, the Global Environment Facility, and UNDP for their continued support. Truly, now is the time for rapid action to demonstrate that the climate crisis is a health crisis. That action to protect the climate is an action to protect health,” said Mr Ruel Serrano, WHO Solomon Islands Communications for Partnerships Support Officer, on behalf of Dr Howard Sobel, WHO Representative in Solomon Islands.