By Lesley Foinagwa (West Kwaio)
Australia has officially handed over solar power systems to seven rural health facilities in Malaita Province, boosting reliable electricity access and strengthening healthcare delivery for remote communities.
The handover ceremony took place on Monday, 31 August 2026, at Sinamauri Rural Health Centre, supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and UNICEF. The solar systems were installed at Ata’a, Kwainabesi, Malu’u, Rafufu, Sinamauri, Lesiala and Rohinari.
The event brought together representatives from the Malaita Provincial Government, Provincial Health Services, community leaders, church leaders, health workers, UNICEF, MHMS and DFAT. Australian DFAT Second Secretary Bridgette Cottrill said reliable electricity was essential for safe vaccine storage, medicine preservation and delivering services day and night. “For rural health facilities, reliable power is not a luxury; it is a necessity,” she said.
Cottrill noted that the project goes beyond electrification, it strengthens resilience in rural health systems as communities across the Pacific face increasing climate‑related challenges.
She said the solar systems will provide stronger, more reliable infrastructure and support the continuity of health services.
Cottrill also acknowledged the strong partnership between Australia, the Solomon Islands Government, MHMS, the Malaita Provincial Government, UNICEF, provincial health workers and local communities.
She recognised UNICEF’s leadership and technical expertise, and commended MHMS and Malaita health workers for their commitment to serving communities.
Cottrill said the project strengthens resilience in rural health services as Pacific communities face increasing climate challenges. She highlighted the strong partnership between Australia, the Solomon Islands Government, MHMS, UNICEF, provincial authorities and local communities.
She also acknowledged ongoing community‑supported initiatives, including the Sinamauri Staff House Project, and recognised contributions from local leaders and the project coordination team. Cottrill noted that Australia has funded more than 340 community partnership projects across Solomon Islands since 2019.
She said the solar electrification project marks a new chapter for beneficiary facilities, giving health workers better tools and families greater confidence in accessing local services. The ceremony closed with a message of continued partnership to build stronger, more resilient rural healthcare services across Malaita Province.
