Australia will aim for the long-term elimination of malaria in the Solomon Islands, starting with delivery of an additional $14.75 million over four years to support distribution of treated bed nets, mosquito spraying and community education, particularly for children and pregnant women.
Foreign Minister, Senator Bob Carr, announced the funding while visiting Tulagi hospital in Central Province, Solomon Islands.
'We're delivering practical measures to fight this preventable but sometimes fatal disease. Over the next four years, we're aiming for major reductions in the Solomon Islands malaria rate, reducing the burden on hospitals like Tulagi and helping to save lives,' Senator Carr said.
'This is an important step forward in our long-term goal of eliminating malaria from the Solomon Islands. We can reduce the number of cases of malaria and hold the Solomons' experience up as one that can show how achievable it is to rid a country of this disease.'
Senator Carr said one of the reasons he travelled to Tulagi is to see how the province provides health services to the community.
'The battle against malaria is very important. We are all aware that Solomon Islands still has one of the highest malaria rates in the region and we are also aware of what malaria does. It is a killer of children, takes people out of work and out of schools and leaves them vulnerable to other diseases.'
'If we can eliminate malaria here, we can produce a strong healthy community where the elderly people remain in good health, free from malaria-related illnesses, and where children can attend school and adults return to work,' Senator Carr said.
Senator Carr was hosted by Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga and senior officials from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Australia's support, in partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands, the Global Fund, World Health Organization, Rotary and Japan International Cooperation Agency, has helped reduce the annual malaria rate over the past few years from 199 cases per 1000 people to just 46 cases last year. Australia's support is also leading to faster access to treatment through the introduction of rapid diagnostic testing in 95 per cent of health facilities. Despite these gains, the Solomon Islands malaria rate is one of the highest for any non-African country.
Health is a major priority under the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership for Development. In addition to controlling malaria, Australia provides $20 million every year to support Solomon Islands health priorities.
Australia will also host a regional malaria conference in Sydney from 31 October to 2 November this year to reinvigorate efforts in the Asia–Pacific to fight the disease.
More information
Media release: Malaria elimination in Solomon Islands (external website)
AusAID's work with Solomon Islands