THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has outlined its priorities for the next five years at this week’s National Health Conference in Honiara.
Priorities reflected in the new National Health Strategic Plan 2016 – 2020 include improving the coverage and quality of health services, building strong partnerships to expand the reach of health services and laying the foundation for the future by improving finance, human resources and infrastructure.
Consultation on the new strategic plan is currently underway with provincial government representatives, churches, non-government organisations, donor partners and the private sector providing valuable input during the National Health Conference this week.
Speaking during the course of the conference this week, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary
Dr Tenneth Dalipanda said focusing on pursuing the most effective interventions will save lives and money.
He said the ministry would like to see all provinces achieving 90% immunisation coverage, which includes protection against Hepatitis B, polio, pneumococcal, measles and tetanus.
With that he said to achieve this, parents must bring their babies to their nearest clinic for their vaccinations at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 1 year and 6 years of age.
“Bringing babies and children to the nearest clinic for their vaccine at the right age will help ensure they have the best possible start in life and a healthy future,” he said.
By BIRIAU WILSON SAENI
