KOICA hands over boats, ambulances and vehicles to MHMS to improve maternal and newborn healthcare across Solomon Islands.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) today received eight 23-foot boats powered by 60-horsepower Yamaha outboard motors, five fully equipped ambulances, and four Landcruiser vehicles from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services across Solomon Islands.
The transport assets were handed over under KOICA’s Maternal and Newborn Health Project, an initiative aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services, particularly for mothers and newborns in rural and remote communities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, KOICA Fiji Office Country Director, Ms Han Kyul Sam Cho, expressed her appreciation to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their continued partnership and commitment to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in Solomon Islands.
“This project was designed to strengthen the national health system and improve the quality and accessibility of maternal and newborn healthcare services across Solomon Islands”, Ms Cho said.
“With a total investment of USD 7 million, the project focuses on enhancing referral systems for high-risk pregnancies, building the capacity of healthcare professionals, and strengthening sanitation and infection prevention measures in health facilities. Through these interventions, we hope to contribute to better health outcomes for mothers and newborns”.
Ms Cho said the handover reflects a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and emergency response services throughout the country.
“These boats, ambulances and vehicles will support healthcare personnel and frontline service providers in delivering critical health services, while helping communities access care more quickly and safely”, she said.
Receiving the assets on behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands, Minister for Health and Medical Services Honourable Morris Toiraena described the handover as a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of Solomon Islanders.
“On behalf of the Government and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, I extend our sincere gratitude to the Government and people of the Republic of Korea for this generous support”, Minister Toiraena said.
“The importance of this contribution goes well beyond transportation. It is a practical investment in improving access to healthcare and protecting mothers, newborns and families, especially those living in our most remote and hard-to-reach communities”.
Minister Toiraena noted that Solomon Islands’ unique geography presents significant challenges for healthcare delivery, often making it difficult and costly for patients to reach health facilities.
“When a pregnant woman experiences complication, every minute matters. Delays in reaching appropriate care can place both mother and baby at serious risk. These new assets will help address those challenges directly”.
He said the ambulances will strengthen emergency and maternal referral services, while the boats will enable safer and faster transport of patients and health workers between islands. The Landcruiser vehicles will support outreach programmes, provincial supervision activities, and the delivery of essential medical supplies.
“This support contributes directly to the objectives of the National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2031 and the policy priorities of the GREAT Coalition Government by improving access to quality healthcare services, supporting health workers, and extending essential services to remote communities”, he added.
Minister Toiraena also acknowledged the important role of development partners in the successful implementation of the project.
“I would like to thank KOICA for its continued partnership, UNOPS for procuring and delivering these assets, WHO for its technical support, and all our partners who continue to contribute to strengthening the health sector in Solomon Islands”.
He concluded by encouraging all health personnel and responsible officers to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the assets so they can continue serving communities for years to come.
“Together, we are strengthening our health system, protecting mothers and babies, and building a healthier Solomon Islands”.
Meanwhile, two additional boats and 60-horsepower Yamaha outboard motors will be received at a later date.
-MHMS Press release
