Solomon Islands Health Sector Support Program Technical
Assistance Project
Contacts
In Sydney: Stan Grant +61 2 92237773

sgrant@worldbank.org

In Washington: Elisabeth Mealey (202) 458 4475
  emealey@worldbank.org

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2008 – The World Bank is pleased to announce the approval of a SDR 1.0 Million (US$1.5 Million equivalent) to the Solomon
Islands for a Health Sector Support Program Technical Assistance Project.

The Project aims to support the Solomon Islands Government in achieving agreed priority health outcomes for its people.

The World Bank will provide analytical, advisory and technical assistance to the Solomon Islands Government’s health sector program. The Bank will
focus on three areas: improving public expenditure management, monitoring performance, and building management capacity.

“Better health outcomes are a priority for the Solomon Islands Government and the Bank plans to provide support to help achieve those goals. This
important technical work underlines the Bank’s commitment to the Solomon Islands as we are preparing to open our new office in Honiara and appoint a
resident County Manager” said Mr. Nigel Roberts, World Bank Country Director for the Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste.

Health remains a critical challenge for the Solomon Islands Government. Maternal mortality rates appear to have increased in recent years, malaria
cases remain high, tuberculosis, diabetes and high HIV risk factors are continuing concerns.
Following three years of civil conflict and a three year post-emergency period the Solomon Islands Government is shifting out of a post-conflict period and
attention is turning to a medium-term strategy.

“We at the Bank have experience in post-conflict countries which we believe is valued by the Solomon Islands Government. We look forward to
deepening our relationship and working closely with donor partners to improve health management and the impact of the country’s health services”. Mr.
Roberts said.

The Technical Assistance Project is part of the World Bank’s Regional Engagement Framework and will provide the groundwork for future Bank
involvement in a full sector-wide approach in the Solomon Islands.

For project documents, please visit:
http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P097671