WHO report highlights achievements and critical challenges of Solomon Islands’ EPI

A recent World Health organization (WHO) report spotlights the significant inroads made in delivering life-saving vaccines to children and families in Solomon Islands through the Essential Programme on Immunization (EPI), while emphasising the need to cement the program’s sustainability. 

The joint review, led by the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), saw a team of national and international experts from WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and NCIRS come together with one shared purpose: to assess how well the program is working – and to chart a course for the future.

In May 2024, the team visited five provinces and Honiara City Council, speaking with healthcare workers, provincial leaders and community members to gather a full picture of the program’s strengths and challenges.
 

Progress and challenges

The review highlights the progress Solomon Islands has made in strengthening its immunisation program since the last EPI assessment in 2012, including: 

• introducing five new vaccines into the schedule
• maintaining polio-free status since certification in 2002
• establishing robust disease surveillance systems
• mobilising health workers from across the provinces who are deeply committed to protecting their communities from vaccine preventable diseases.

The review also identifies critical challenges to the sustainability of the program – two of which are recommended for immediate action:

1. Solomon Islands must prepare to transition to a more sustainable funding model, with funding from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance – which currently accounts for 70% of program costs – set to end in 2025.
2. The nation must improve outreach services – covering more than 40% of the target population – which are frequently delayed or cancelled due to fuel shortages.

Other program shortfalls outlined in the report include staff shortages at provincial levels, difficulty reaching children in remote communities and vaccine stockouts and cold chain management issues, particularly outside of Honiara.
 

Recommendations for action

The review proposes several key actions to address these challenges, including to:

• develop a fully costed National Immunization Strategy for 2026–2031 to facilitate resource deployment
• strengthen provincial planning and financial systems to support service delivery
• increase the EPI workforce to assist with coordinating the program across large provinces and at remote health facilities
• expand human papillomavirus vaccination beyond schools to reach out-of-school girls
• improve vaccine supply chain and cold chain management.
   

Looking ahead

‘Immunisation is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect health and save lives,’ said Professor Kristine Macartney, NCIRS Director, speaking on the importance of partnership in global health. ‘This review is a testament to the dedication of health workers and the strength of collaboration across the Solomon Islands and the region.’

As Solomon Islands prepares for the transition from donor support, NCIRS remains committed to working alongside MHMS and partners to strengthen immunisation systems and ensure no one is left behind.
 

Read the review