In a country where 80% of the population is rural, the recent opening of the multipurpose Village Health Volunteer (VHV) training centre in Brugim in East Sepik province is an important milestone. It has given rural PNG health workers the opportunity to improve their medical skills and knowledge whilst increasing awareness on health and safety issues at the community level.

Part of the NZAID funded East Sepik Health Project, the centre runs 12-week training courses for volunteers, then issues them with medical supplies to take back to their villages where they in turn provide health care service, focusing on maternal and child health, reproductive health, and malaria treatment and prevention.

Consisting of mostly rural women volunteers, Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) play a central role in the success of this project. Once they are trained, the volunteers make a positive difference in areas where it has been difficult to retain a professional medical presence.

The project which is managed and facilitated by Save the Children PNG, is run in consultation with South Seas Evangelical Church, Provincial Health Authorities, Office of Health Secretary and local leaders in Maprik District.  Additional achievements under the programme include the refurbishment and expansion of the maternity ward at Brugim health centre and the completion of a health centre and staff house at Albinama.

The Tanavasa Bridge which was officially re-opened on 6 December by Solomon Islands Minister for Infrastructure and Development, the Hon Stanley Sofu, was described as a symbol of the 'rebuilding of the nation' following its destruction in the height of the tension in early 2006.

"A fully functioning road and bridge network is the life-blood of every nation and plays a vital part in the daily economic and social activities of any country", he said. "The reopening of the Tanavasa Bridge reconnects the people of East and West Guadalcanal".

Co-funded by NZAID, the Asian Development Bank and RAMSI, through the Post Conflict Emergency Rehabilitation Project, the US$19.5 million reconstruction provides a lifeline for those in villages such as Visale, Tambea and Lambi by improving their access to Honiara, its markets, schools and clinics. Combined with planned improvements to the western Guadalcanal road, it will make a positive difference to the quality of life for thousands of people.

The Solomon Islands government is committed to further improving the quality of its transport infrastructure, especially in the rural areas, with the recently adopted National Transport Plan.

With the aim of rehabilitating key land, air and sea assets in Solomon Islands, the National Transport Plan provides a clear framework for the reconstruction programme while highlighting donor and government partner opportunities.