News
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World Skin Health Day in Solomon Islands
Last week, WSP supported the Ministry Of Health & Medical Services - Solomon Islands Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Unit in their multi-day World Skin Health Day event, funded by the International League of Dermatological Societies. Events included a skin health information stall, a free mobile skin clinic run by the Skin Clinic team at Honiara National Referral Hospital, a skin health float as part of the Independence Day parade, an official launch event attended by key stakeholders including the Minister for Health and Medical Services and the Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands, and various nationally broadcasted radio segments on SIBC News, including a talk back show, which you can find shared on our Facebook page.
These activities raised awareness across Solomon Islands on the importance of skin health and seeking treatment for skin problems, with a focus on skin NTDs including scabies.
Congratulations to everyone involved in executing this amazing event! -
Happy World Skin Health Day!
Today is World Skin Health Day, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about skin diseases, sun safety, and equal access to dermatological care, spearheaded by the International League of Dermatological Societies.World Scabies Program teams in Solomon Islands and Fiji have been taking part in World Skin Health Day activities, to support increased knowledge and awareness around skin health, particularly scabies.Better Knowledge. Better Skin Health! -
World Skin Health Day is coming to Solomon Islands!
Next week, the World Scabies Program is supporting the National Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) Unit, the Health Promotion Unit, and the National Referral Hospital (NRH) Skin Clinic in celebrating World Skin Health Day.
Observed globally on 8 July, World Skin Health Day raises awareness about skin diseases, sun safety, and the importance of equitable access to quality skin care for everyone.
Thanks to a grant from the International League of Dermatological Societies, the NTD Unit, Health Promotion Unit, and NRH Skin Clinic are hosting a series of activities in Honiara from 6–8 July.
Visit the World Skin Health Day stall at the Honiara Flea Market, located at the HCC Youth Hub outdoor court, on Monday 6 July and Tuesday 7 July, followed by an official launch event on 8 July!
Come along and enjoy:
• A free mobile skin clinic, run by the NRH Skin Clinic team, offering free consultations, skin checks, and treatment for common skin conditions.
• Fun and interactive skin health activities, including health talks, quizzes with prizes, and information about the NRH Skin Clinic, common skin NTDs such as scabies and yaws, and other skin conditions that affect Solomon Islanders.
On Wednesday 8 July, there will be an official World Skin Health Day launch, which will be broadcast live on SIBC, so stop by or tune in!
Together, let's raise awareness, improve skin health, and work towards Healthy Skin, Healthy People, and a Healthy Solomon Islands. -
Pacific Islands Dermatology Conference 2026
Melaia Liku, the National Scabies Coordinator in Fiji recently presented at the inaugural Pacific Islands Dermatology Conference in Suva. Melaia’s discussion focused on the Evaluation of National Ivermectin Based Mass Drug Administration Program for Scabies in Fiji. Please join us in congratulating Melaia!
Dr Meciusela Tuicakau, Director of the Pacific Islands Training Centre in Fiji, also spoke with ABC’s Pacific Beat about the conference. You can listen here.
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MDA awareness in Kiribati
Integrated scabies and trachoma MDA health promotion activities are well underway across South Tarawa, Kiribati, which includes a Drama Road Show by Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA).
KFHA is a youth group that uses song, dance, and drama to engage communities and are currently raising awareness about the MDA campaign in an accessible and entertaining way.
This week, the group is travelling throughout South Tarawa, sharing key messages and spreading awareness on the importance of participating in the campaign. We thank them for their energy, creativity, and commitment to community health!
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15,000 ivermectin tablets donated to Fiji
Today, WSP donated 15,000 ivermectin 3mg tablets to Twomey Hospital in Fiji to support national scabies control efforts.
The donation was made possible through collaboration between our teams in Solomon Islands and Fiji and will help ensure medicine is available where it is needed!
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Healthy skin, bright eyes - take your dose!
Kiribati has reached a significant milestone this week by launching the second round national integrated Mass Drug Administration (MDA) program to address both scabies and trachoma—two preventable and treatable diseases that affect communities throughout the country.
This is a very exciting partnership between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services-Kiribati, the World Scabies Program, and The Fred Hollows Foundation. We are also proud to be supported by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's.
When the health workers come to your community make sure you take your medications. By participating in this integrated MDA, you are protecting families, preventing disease, and securing a healthier future for Kiribati. If you missed the health workers in your village, you can speak with your local health centre about receiving your dose.We’d like to thank everyone involved in the MDA including the nurses and health workers and most importantly the people of Kiribati for participating!
Healthy skin, bright eyes - take your dose!
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Integrated scabies and trachoma MDA training in Kiribati
Over the last two weeks, WSP Kiribati, together with partners The Fred Hollows Foundation and Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services, have trained 158 healthcare workers and volunteers on the upcoming integrated scabies and trachoma mass drug administration (MDA) in Kiribati. The training provides MDA teams with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out the community treatment campaign effectively.Our WSP colleagues from Solomon Islands, Oliver and Johnina, travelled to Kiribati to support the MDA training, lending their extensive expertise in NTD control and MDA implementation.The teams will begin rolling out the MDA in South Tarawa on Tuesday 26 May, followed by the Outer Islands. When healthcare workers come to your community, make sure you take the medications offered to help stop the spread of scabies and trachoma in Kiribati! -
Happy International Nurses Day!
Today is International Nurses Day. Nurses are integral to the work of WSP, from implementing mass drug administration programs to carrying out scabies prevalence surveys. We would like to thank all the nurses who have taken part in scabies control activities across our programs!
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Kiribati 2026 MDA Preparation
Following the success of the 2025 campaign, Kiribati MHMS, supported by World Scabies Program and The Fred Hollows Foundation, are now preparing for a second national integrated mass drug administration (MDA) for scabies and trachoma.Last year marked a major milestone as the first nationally integrated MDA for scabies and trachoma in the world, and the first MDA for scabies in Kiribati. Building on this achievement, preparations for the 2026 rollout are well underway, with a focus on strengthening delivery and coverage.As in 2025, regional collaboration remains central to the program. Experienced personnel from Solomon Islands will again support training and planning in Kiribati, sharing their extensive expertise in neglected tropical disease (NTD) control. This ongoing partnership highlights the strength of collaboration between Pacific partners in advancing NTD control.Our team in Kiribati is in full swing preparing for the MDA!
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