9 Feb 2009

Solomons' reveals plan to try and rid the country of malaria

8:02 pm on 9 February 2009

The Solomon Islands government welcomes a new network to help fight malaria in the Asia-Pacific region.

Australia is hosting the launch of the new initiative this week, which aims to help affected countries share their experience in trying to combat the disease.

It's attended by ten countries, including Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, which are the only Pacific countries that have vowed to eliminate malaria.

The Solomon's ministry of health representative, Albino Bobogare, believes the new network will have many benefits for his country.

"Since this network will have a wider range of technical expertise involved besides the Pacific Malaria Initiative, we'll have more input into our programme, so that we can do it even better."

Albino Bobogare says the Solomons' will embark on a community awareness programme and will strengthen the health sector to better recognise and treat malaria.