BY CHRIS ALEX
The OPIA Conference 2025, held from September 1-3, gathered prominent stakeholders in the oral health sector, including representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the International College of Dentists, and the Clare Foundation.
Among the notable delegates was Dr. Ellison Vane, Head of the Dental Department of the Solomon Islands, accompanied by Dr. Charles Sulu and Dr. Mishella Moveni, both Senior Dentists at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).
The conference focused on the pivotal integration of clinical governance in oral health within the framework of Primary Health Care as part of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in the Pacific region.
This year’s discussions built upon progress outlined in the Suva Declaration of 2023 and the Bangkok Declaration of 2024, reinforcing global commitments to UHC and the Declaration of Astana from 2018.
Dr. Vane and his colleagues presented their insights into advancements in governance, quality assurance, and safety in oral health services, showcasing the clinical governance journey supported by the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership for Health.
Dr. Vane’s recent training at the Australian Institute of Clinical Governance further underscored the increasing emphasis on clinical governance capacity in the region.
The discussions at the conference resonated with the WHO Global Oral Health Strategy for 2023–2030, highlighting the urgent need to embed oral health governance into UHC frameworks.
Notably, Dr. Vane and Dr. Sulu were inducted as Fellows of the International College of Dentists, joining nine other doctors from Vanuatu and Fiji, a recognition that celebrates their leadership in advancing oral health on both regional and international platforms.
Dr. Sulu expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to represent the Solomon Islands.
“This opens new opportunities for partnership and collaboration with other professional organizations in the region and around the world,” he said.
He acknowledged the significant responsibility that comes with such recognition.
The conference emphasized the critical role of oral health within UHC and PHC through various initiatives, including:
- Designing essential oral health packages
- Workforce development
- Interprofessional collaboration
Sessions also delved into the integration of oral health with Non-Communicable Diseases, Continuing Professional Development, and sustainable health outcomes. Delegates underscored the importance of including oral health from the outset of health programming, demonstrating strong regional support to elevate oral health on national and regional agendas.
The discussions positioned the progress of the Pacific Islands as integral to global health strategies, offering practical pathways to translate governance and clinical improvements into long-term health benefits.
The Dental Unit at NRH expressed its gratitude to the Pacific Community, Oral Health Pacific Islands Alliance, and South Austral Pty Ltd for their financial support in attending the OPIA conference, as well as appreciation to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for their continued assistance in advancing oral health initiatives in the region.
Photo: Supplied
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