BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Solomon Islands has expressed its commitment to support the weeklong National Healthy Setting Conference currently underway in Gizo, Western Province.
Speaking at the official opening of the conference, UNICEF’s Representative, Ayaz Hussain, said the organization is ready to share its experiences, progress, and achievements in health promotion and healthy settings from its global and local work.
He said healthy settings are more than just physical spaces; they are ecosystems where people live, learn, work, and play.
Hussian adds that the settings influence human behaviours, opportunities, and ultimately contribute to human health outcomes.
He said the burden of disease in many places in the country remains high, often exacerbated by social determinants like poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to quality healthcare and services.
Hussain stated that the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for robust health systems and healthy environments.
He stressed that there is an ever-increasing need for investment in disease prevention and health promotion which is not just a public health imperative but an economic necessity.
Hussain said strengthening collaboration and coordination among various sectors of society is the need of the hour for to achieve health for all in Solomon Islands going forward.
“I am grateful to department of health promotion, Ministry of Health and Provincial Health departments to invite us to this important conference.
“Today, as we gather here, we are united by a shared vision to promote health and well-being for our population.
“It is within our power to transform these settings into engines of healthy and without disease communities,” he said.
Hussian said the conference serves as a platform to share knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions tailored to the realities of Solomon Islands.
“It encourages multisectoral collaboration involving various government departments, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Because true health equity cannot be achieved by the health sector alone; it requires the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
“I urge all participants to think beyond traditional health interventions. Let us focus on creating environments that empower individuals to make healthier choices easily, whether it’s access to safe water, nutritious food, physical activity opportunities, or mental health support. Let us harness technology, policy, and community engagement to build resilient and healthy societies.
“I commend the organizers for bringing together this diverse and dedicated group of professionals. Your work in driving forward healthy settings in Solomon Islands is vital for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Solomon Islands health Strategic plan and ensuring that no one is left behind.
“Let us leave this conference inspired, equipped, and committed to creating healthier, more equitable, and sustainable environments for all,” he said.
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