Naha Birthing Centre celebrates first birth in Solomon Islands

The new Naha Birthing Centre in Honiara has recorded its first delivery, with Helma Sikekolo giving birth to a healthy 3.2-kilogram baby boy at 12:40 am on 8 October 2026.

The facility, established through a partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and the Australian Government, has begun offering 24-hour services for low-risk births. The Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre is working toward full round-the-clock operations to provide essential maternity services closer to local communities.

Acting Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Gregory Jilini described the birth as a milestone for the health system, noting that the facility helps mothers access skilled care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. The family of the newborn expressed gratitude to the medical staff and acknowledged the importance of having accessible maternity care near their home in Naha 2.