10 January 2019
Solomon Islands: Incidences of malaria on the increase in Honiara but reportedly no drugs available in health clinics to treat the disease.
According to the latest news from the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) the number of incidences of malaria cases has risen in Honiara and people are worried.
Information from the national broadcaster on 10 January 2019 (quote)
“Nurses from the Mbokonavera Clinic said they recorded more than ten cases of malaria this week while the Rove Clinic staff also expressed similar concerns.
“A pharmacist from the Hyperchem Pharmacy Solomons, Ken Woollett, told the SIBC they had received more people this week for malaria testing as they offer free check-ups.
“He said they also recorded a number of dengue cases.
“Meanwhile, North Malaita residents have expressed concerns over medicine shortages currently experienced in the region. A number of sick people in the region discovered there was no medicine available to treat their condition at the Arao clinic, Fo’ondo, Bita’ama and Malu’u clinics.
“It is also reported that the National Medical Store in Honiara was unable to help with the supply of essential drugs to help those suffering from malaria.”
Last year, the Hon. Prime Minister, Rick Hou, said with the support from partners the Solomon Islands had proudly reduced the number of recorded cases of malaria from a peak of 450 thousand in 1993 to 80 per thousand in 2017.
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in London earlier last year, the Solomon Islands reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate malaria completely by 2030.
While acknowledging the good work the Solomon Islands Government has done in reducing the incidences of malaria over the years it is hardly encouraging, today, to lean of ongoing drug shortages that people desperately need to get over their suffering from such a troublesome and often recurring disease.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
