Traveling to Kilu’ufi Hospital and National Referral Hospital (NRH) Dental Clinics to treat toothaches will now be a thing of the past for the people of East Kwaio in Malaita Province, following the official handover and opening of a new Australian-standard Dental Clinic at Atoifi Adventist Hospital (AAH) on Tuesday, 1st of July 2025.

The funding donations of this project were received through ADRA Australia with funding support by Dr. Genna Levitch, a dentist by profession, and his son-in-law, Tim Edwards, from Australia. 

Edwards won a prize at work and donated the money to fund the project. The funds have been channelled through ADRA Australia and supported by ADRA Solomon Islands for implementation.

The dental clinic has two dental chairs, a reception area, a staff room, a lab, office room, Restroom and a sterilizing room which’ll be operated by Atoifi Hospital. 

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has posted a full-time dentist to the clinic, and dental services has officially commenced at the new facility on Wednesday, 2nd July after the official handover and opening of the facility.

The handover and opening ceremony was witnessed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Atoifi Hospital and Director of Health for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Solomon Islands, Dr. Chester Kuma, Donor of the new Dental Clinic, Dr. Genna Levitch, and his wife Anne Levitch including the builder of the Dental Clinic, Staff from Atoifi Hospital and Atoifi School of Nursing; ADRA representative; community leaders; and members of the East Kwaio communities surrounding the Atoifi Hospital.

In his official remarks during the handover ceremony of the new dental clinic, donor Dr Genna Levitch expressed his joy and gratitude which he revealed that the project the project started in 2014 and it taken more than 10 years to bring to fruition and officially handed over to the people of East Kwaio.

“I started this project many years ago and today, I am honoured to officially hand over this facility to the people of East Kwaio,” Dr Genna said.

He acknowledged the many challenges faced throughout the journey of building the clinic, particularly the logistical difficulties of constructing in a remote area.

“It was not easy to build this clinic. There were many challenges along the way. This is one of the most difficult places to build due to logistics and other constraints. But I believe it was my destiny to complete this mission,” Dr Genna shared during his speech.

Dr Genna told those who came to witness the handover ceremony that building this clinic was a personal calling for him.

“My dream is for this facility to serve the good people of East Kwaio now and for generations to come. This project success comes through ADRA Australia and my wife and me with the sole purpose of providing accessible dental care to this community.

“I would like to sincerely thank Wilber Clark, a builder from Australia, who constructed this clinic to Australian standards, and everyone who was involved in ensuring materials arrived safely at Atoifi. 

“I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to the landowners of Atoifi, the churches, and the community for their respect and support throughout the project’s implementation, which has now become a reality,” Dr Genna concluded.

Acting CEO of Atoifi Hospital and Health Director of the SDA Mission, Dr Chester Kuma said, it has been 58 years since Atoifi Hospital was established in East Kwaio, and for the first time, the hospital now has a new, standard dental clinic.

“Dr Genna and your wife, you have done something truly remarkable for the people of East Kwaio. 

“This facility will not only treat dental problems, but it has the potential to become a centre for training and even research for medical students”

“A whole new world has opened today, Tuesday 1st July, for Atoifi and the people of East Kwaio. On behalf of the hospital, I sincerely thank you both for funding this important facility that will benefit generations to come here,’’ Dr Kuma said. 

Meanwhile, Chief of Atoifi Landowners, Benjiman Esafi, extended heartfelt thanks to Dr. Genna and his wife for funding the construction of the new dental clinic at Atoifi.

“I would like to remind everyone who witnessed this ceremony, and all my good people, to please respect this facility, the nurses, and all workers of Atoifi Hospital.

“Dr. Genna has used his own money to build this facility for us, and I encourage you all to look after it with care. 

“On behalf of the landowners of Atoifi, I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Genna and your wife for your generosity in funding this dental clinic for our people,’’ Chief Esafi said.

As a token of appreciation, Chief Esafi took the opportunity to presents Dr. Genna with a traditional Kwaio shell money to honour his contribution to the people of East Kwaio.