The visiting World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr. Shin Young-soo met Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara yesterday.
Dr Shin is visiting Solomon Islands this week as part of his regional tour of the Western Pacific Region.
The two leaders discussed issues regarding health services including issues of population growth in Solomon Islands and the role of WHO in helping its Member States to combat diseases in their respective countries.
Mr Sogavare said health remains and top priority in the Solomon Islands and the Government is committed to improving health services in rural areas.
Dr Shin acknowledged that there is more work to be done by WHO in assisting its member states.
“A great challenge will be assisting Mmember states to strengthen health systems towards Universal Health Coverage,” he said.
“The long-term success of many of our efforts – from disaster preparedness to combating communicable diseases depends on accessible and effective health systems”.
Dr Shin also expressed his admiration for the Solomon Islands efforts in reducing Malaria incidences in the country over the last few years.
As part of his itenary, Dr Shin and his delegation also traveled to Munda in Western Province where he visited Helena Goldie Hospital and the Samarae Area Health Clinic.
Besides a series of meetings, Dr Shin has also toured a WHO sponsored building facility in Honiara.
Dr Shin leaves Honiara today.
