Mission and objectives

The mission of the WHO Solomon Islands Country Office is to assist the Government of the Solomon Islands in implementing the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) through strategic and technical support in the development, implementation, and evaluation of national health policies, strategies, and plans. The office promotes and facilitates WHO’s technical cooperation in key areas including health system strengthening, public health emergency preparedness and response, and sustainable recovery. Moreover, it supportsthe government towards achieving universal health coverage, enhancing resilience against health threats, and promoting health equity across all populations.

Context

The five year Solomon Islands - WHO – Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Multi-country Corporation strategy 2024-2029–(MCCS) - is a contract with the government on specific priorities, including the acknowledgment that ‘the rapid increase in Malaria is a potential emerging public health treat and promptly responding to it is critical to prevent health economic impact.’ Solomon Islands has the highest malaria incidence in the Western Pacific Region. The National Malaria Annual Parasite Incidence has continued to increase year on year from 30/1000 population in 2015 to 140/1000 in 2024. In November2024, WHO endorsed a change in the case management of P.vivax malaria. In Aug 20 2025, the Solomon Islands National Medicines and Therapeutics Committee agreed to adopt the new treatment regime, including the increase of dose and shorter duration of Primaquine treatment, in conjunction with point-of-care G6PD blood testing. The Un Volunteer will work under the clinical and operational supervision of the Clinical Case Manager of the National Vector Borne Disease Control Program from the MHMS. Overall Project Management, including financial control and strategy implementation will sit with the WHO Communicable Disease Consultant in collaboration with the Clinical Case Manager

Task Description

• Assist the NVBDCP Case Management Team to introduce the SD Biosensor Point-of-Care G6PD testing device to Provincial Health services through structured in-service training amd mentoring incorporate SOPs into standard revised management for P. vivax at health facilities and outreach response teams. • Ensure Quality Assurance clinical practice, case monitoring, reporting and surveillance of P. vivax cases. • Undertake clinical case follow up of cases during and following their treatment • Report any adverse events to Clinical Case Manager and relevant clinical referral pathways as required.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Honiara, the capital and largest urban centre of Solomon Islands, is situated on the northern coast of Guadalcanal. It serves as the country’s administrative, commercial and transport hub, with the main hospital, National Referral Hospital—providing primary and some secondary care services; additional—and often higher-quality—care is available through a handful of private clinics and NGO-supported health posts. Overall health infrastructure is developing, and serious cases are occasionally referred overseas. Accommodation in central Honiara tends to command higher rents compared with provincial towns, but standards range from modest self-contained units to more comfortable guest-housestyle apartments. Shopping options include the central market for fresh produce, and a small number of supermarket chains (e.g., Bulkshop) stocking imported staples. While there is no formal urban bus network, minibuses and taxis are the most common modes of local transport, boat services and Solomon Airlines flights link Honiara with outlying islands and regional destinations. All National UN Volunteers (NUNVs) in the Solomon Islands receive a standard Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) calibrated to local living costs, intended to cover rent, food and basic expenses. NUNVs are enrolled in a comprehensive UN-approved health, life and disability insurance plan; they also receive a modest Settling-in Grant upon arrival, an End-of-Assignment Grant, and full travel coverage to and from Honiara. Leave entitlements include 2.5 days of personal leave per month of service, plus all official UN holidays observed locally. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.