BY LORETTA B MANELE
Solomon Islands has the highest rate in open defecation in the Pacific.
Ben Grubb, UNICEF Chief of the Solomon Islands Field Office, revealed this at the “World Toilet Day” event themed “We’ll Always Need the Toilet” at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.
In early remarks, he said UNICEF commends the efforts of the Solomon Islands Government over the years in establishing legislation, policies, strategies, and systems to improve sanitation access.
Through this, Grubb said notable progress has been made including increased access to sanitation from 30 percent in 2015 to 35 percent in 2024.
“With leadership from MHMS, with funding support from DFAT and technical support from UNICEF and CSO partners, provincial governments of CIP, Malaita, and Western achieved NOD (No Open Defecation) in 180 communities and 21,000 people gained access to basic sanitation,” he said.
However, Grubb stressed that in the Solomon Islands, approximately 65 percent of the population; around 535,000 people do not have access to basic sanitation.
Following this, he said the alarming rate of about 371,000 people, or 45 percent of the population are still practicing open defecation.
“This is the highest rate in the Pacific region,” Grubb said.
He explained that since 2015, access to basic sanitation has only increased by 5 percentage points, from 30 percent in 2015 to 35 percent in 2024.
Grubb said in schools, the 2024 national WASH in Schools survey found that just over two-fifths of schools (41percent) provide a basic level of water service, while nearly half (47 percent) are at a limited level and 12 percent have no service at all.
He also took the opportunity to acknowledge Australia and New Zealand for their long-standing investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene that have brought much-needed infrastructure to schools, especially across Central Islands and Guadalcanal Province.
“Their support has enabled the construction and rehabilitation of safe water systems and toilets—improvements that not only protect student health but also restore dignity, safety, and privacy for girls, particularly during menstruation.
“These investments are transforming the school environment, helping children learn, thrive, and participate fully in their education, said Grubb.
Moreover, he said consequences of poor sanitation such as child mortality, public health risks, loss of human dignity, reduced tourism potential, and hindered economic development are well documented.
Henceforth, he pointed out that with the year 2030 fast approaching, Solomon Islands must intensify efforts to stay on track towards achieving SDG 6.2, which aims to eliminate open defecation and ensure universal access to basic sanitation.
Grubb also commended the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the provincial governments of Malaita, Central Islands, and Western Province, for their implementation of the National Sustainable Sanitation Plan (NSSP), supported by DFAT and UNICEF.
He mentioned that on UNICEF’s part, through support from DFAT and KOICA, they have procured 15,000 Sato pans, which are currently being shipped to Honiara for nationwide distribution.
“This will ensure the regular supply of affordable sanitation products across the country and is expected to benefit up to 100,000 people,” said Grubb.
He furthered that despite these achievements, the road ahead remains challenging.
“We call on the Solomon Islands Government and provincial authorities to work closely with NGOs, CSOs, development partners, and the private sector to scale up efforts and investments in climate-resilient sanitation,” he said.
Grubb stated that UNICEF remains committed to supporting the Solomon Islands Government and provincial administrations in expanding access to climate-resilient sanitation.
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