The COVID pandemic deepens its impact

The Covid situation in the Solomon Islands arising from an outbreak in January has caused serious concern. The NZ Herald reports there are now cases in the thousands, and more than 100 deaths (that are recorded); with Honiara’s hospital overwhelmed.

Vaccination rates are very low (various reports indicate less than 1-in-5 are fully vaccinated). At the current rate of vaccination, it is estimated that 80% coverage would not be achieved until 2027. There is a low number of trained vaccinators in more remote regions.

A late-January article from The Guardian (UK) provides a perspective on the impact of COVID in the Islands: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/feb/22/people-are-dying-on-the-floor-healthcare-workers-tell-of-covid-devastation-in-solomon-islands

MME is working with CWS to explore a partnership in the Solomon Islands to provide specific assistance for supporting the vaccination programme. Already the donations offered through MME to Sasamuqa Hospital, with the cost of fuel for the hospital boat, has supported the work of the vaccination programme. There are about 300 positive cases in Choiseul but no deaths so far.

by Tony Franklin-Ross