Recognizing the critical role of a skilled health workforce in achieving better health outcomes, universities in Solomon Islands and the Philippines are exploring a strategic partnership to strengthen nursing education and support broader health system development through the Philippine-Pacific Health Initiative (PhilPac), a South-South collaboration wherein the Philippines and Pacific island countries exchange knowledge, skills and practical approaches to address shared health workforce challenges.
A high-level Solomon Islands delegation traveled to the Philippines to explore the partnership led by Mr Layten Jacob, Ministry of Health and Medical Services Deputy Secretary for Corporate, Ms Hellen Orihao, Senior Nursing Leader and acting Director of Nursing, National Referral Hospital, and Dr Humpress Harrington, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, Solomon Islands National University (SINU). The delegation was accompanied by WHO Representative in the Solomon Islands, Dr Howard Sobel, and Technical Officer for Health Information Systems, Mr Vasco Nuno Carvalho.
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The Solomon Islands delegation represented by MHMS, WHO, and SINU during the Philippine-Pacific Health Initiative held in Manila. Photo: WHO
The Solomon Islands delegation represented by MHMS, WHO, and SINU during the Philippine-Pacific Health Initiative held in Manila. Photo: WHO
Under the proposed “Nurses for Tomorrow: Advancing Healthcare through PhilPac Twinning Partnerships” initiative, SINU and Silliman University College of Nursing would establish a twinning partnership to enhance nursing education, faculty development, curriculum strengthening, clinical teaching, continuing professional development and collaborative learning.
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A representative from Silliman University Medical Center speaking to WHO Representative Dr Howard Sobel (left) and SINU Dean of Nursing, Dr Humpress Harrington. Photo: Silliman University
A representative from Silliman University Medical Center speaking to WHO Representative Dr Howard Sobel (left) and SINU Dean of Nursing, Dr Humpress Harrington. Photo: Silliman University
Facilitated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the collaboration gives both institutions an opportunity to share expertise, identify common priorities, and develop practical solutions to strengthen the health workforce. The partnership will focus on curriculum enhancement, faculty exchange and mentoring, clinical and community-based learning, research collaboration, nursing leadership and workforce development.
A key objective of the collaboration is to draw on Silliman University’s experience in nursing education to support the design and formalization of a Master of Nursing programme at SINU, helping to expand opportunities for advanced nursing education and professional development within the country.
An exploratory visit and technical discussions between the two universities were held in Dumaguete City, Philippines, which helped identify priority areas for collaboration and develop a roadmap for a sustainable, mutually beneficial partnership aligned with Solomon Islands’ health workforce priorities.
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WHO Solomon Islands and SINU delegation with representatives from Silliman University Medical Center. Photo: Silliman University
WHO Solomon Islands and SINU delegation with representatives from Silliman University Medical Center. Photo: Silliman University
The initiative builds on Solomon Islands’ broader engagement with PhilPac, which also includes a collaboration with the University of the Philippines-Manila to develop a practical artificial intelligence (AI) training package for health leaders and decision-makers, covering the application of AI in planning and decision-making, as well as responsible use, governance and safety.
By promoting relevant training and two-way institutional cooperation, PhilPac supports Solomon Islands’ efforts to build a skilled and sustainable health workforce, while supporting priority capacity-building needs, including strengthening nursing education and advancing innovation in health leadership and decision-making.
Through partnerships like these, PhilPac aims to strengthen health systems by investing in people, institutions, and knowledge exchange, helping Pacific countries develop the skilled and resilient workforce needed to meet current and future health challenges.