The Western Provincial Government (WPG) of Solomon Islands has welcomed an ADRA project aimed at boosting immunisation awareness and access across the province.
The Demand for Generation of Immunisation Project (DGIP), funded by UNICEF and implemented by ADRA Solomon Islands, commenced on November 22, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude on October 31, 2025. Target areas are South Vela La Vela, Kolobangara Island and Roviana Lagoon.
Tonawane Charles, community health nursing consultant for the Western Provincial Health Department, expressed his appreciation for ADRA’s initiative and the involvement of community champions from the targeted sites.
“I am very happy that ADRA, through its 12 community champions, will assist our nurses in spreading immunisation awareness,” Mr Charles said. “Clinics and area health centres have faced funding challenges in reaching remote areas, so this initiative is a great help for us.”
DGIP focuses on strengthening coordination, building capacity among healthcare workers and promoting community engagement to enhance immunisation rates.
Expand Program of Immunisation nursing officer Arthur Keremama emphasised the importance of community involvement, stating, “If we implement this program effectively across the targeted sites and reach remote areas, I believe we will see a significant improvement in immunisation rates next year, particularly among children.”
The project’s second orientation and information sharing session was held in Gizo on March 20, with various stakeholders, including health officials, community representatives and ADRA project staff, in attendance.
DGIP project manager Sharon Kele urged participants to actively support the program. “We cannot do this alone—we need your help so that, together, we can carry out this immunisation program and protect our young generations, especially girls, from preventable diseases,” Mr Kele said.
The DGIP team will continue working closely with the Western Provincial Health Government to roll out awareness campaigns across the targeted areas.
