BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
THERE is no magic bullet, you got to eat healthy, live healthy to be healthy and look healthy.
This was the powerful message from Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo during the opening of the National Healthy Setting Conference at Gizo yesterday.
Delivering the keynote address, Premier Veo said building a healthy society requires collective efforts, as health and well-being cuts across every aspect of human life.
He said the theme of the conference speaks volumes of the importance of partnership and collaboration in the development of the country’s health sector.
Veo said a healthy lifestyle depends on how individuals, communities, the Ministry of Health, government agencies, and donor partners work together to design effective strategies.
He expressed his appreciation for the participation of health professionals, policy advisors, health workers, and donor partners in the conference, saying their shared knowledge and experiences will help explore strategic directions to address pressing health issues in the Solomon Islands.
“It is encouraging to see health professionals, policy advisors, health workers and donor partners gather and discuss pertinent matters with regards to health sector in Solomon Islands,” Veo said.
He emphasised that a healthy population is key to driving national development and strengthening the workforce.
The Premier acknowledged the government, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and donor partners for their support in making the event possible.
“I am optimistic that this conference will come up with resolutions and directions to tackle prevailing health issues. I wish you all a very fruitful week of conference and consultation,” Veo said.
In his speech, Deputy Secretary for the Health Improvement Department from MHMS, Nemia Bainivalu acknowledged the Western Provincial Government and the premier for accepting the invitation to host the conference.
He also acknowledges all the officials who travelled far and near to be part of the conference.
Bainivalu reminded officials that the importance to health and well-being of people in the country depends on the effectiveness of health and services strategy.
He calls on participants to demonstrate the commitment and dedication on fostering health, environment and healthy behaviours.
Bainivalu said health professional play an important role in shaping the country’s healthy setting.
He said the target is to improve, protect, and align global, regional and national targets to deliver effective services for the people.
Bainivalu adds that the conference reflects the Alma-Ata Declaration, a 1978 public health document that defined health as a fundamental human right and a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease.
“Health is not only a fundamental human right but one cornerstone of development in society,” he said.
With the theme “Building Sustainable Healthy System Setting in Solomon Islands” the conference kicked off yesterday with the official opening and formal introduction of participants and officials.
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