SIPPA -Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association

01/06/2026

𝗦𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗔'𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗚𝗕𝗩 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲

📍 Gizo, Western Province

The Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), through the EmpowerHER Project, successfully concluded a 4-day Joint Stakeholder Planning Meeting in Gizo, Western Province.

The meeting last week brought together key stakeholders from the SAFENET referral network in Gizo and Noro, representing government and civil society service providers, alongside SolTuna, to strengthen collaboration and coordinate efforts to prevent and respond to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Western Province.

Over four days, participants:

▪︎ Reviewed and validated baseline findings.

▪︎ Examined local drivers and impacts of SGBV.

▪︎ Explored behaviour change communication approaches.

▪︎ Jointly developed strategies to enhance awareness, prevention, protection and referral services.

▪︎ Discussed the development of culturally appropriate, survivor-centred messaging that promotes the rights, safety and wellbeing of women and girls, while promoting positive behaviour change in target communities

The workshop reinforced the importance of a coordinated, multi-sectoral response to SGBV and strengthened partnerships among stakeholders committed to supporting survivors, upholding the rights, dignity and safety of women and girls.

This activity was conducted under EmpowerHER Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International in partnership with SIPPA.

28/05/2026

Today, SIPPA joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of Action for Women’s Health and World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026.

Her Health. Her Right. Her Future.

Period stigma must end to ensure dignity and equality.

Menstruation is natural, and no woman or girl should face shame, discrimination or barriers because of it.

Together, let us continue to promote dignity, equality, and access to accurate health information for all women and girls.

Today we mark both the International Day of Action for Women's Health and Menstrual Health Day — two reminders that women's health is not a single issue. It is interconnected, complex, and deeply personal. 💜

Sexual and Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice means that every woman, everywhere, deserves access to the health information, rights, and services she needs, free from barriers, discrimination, coercion, violence, and stigma.

That includes menstrual health. Because when a young woman cannot access safe, affordable period products, or is shamed for something completely natural, her ability to show up at school, at work, and in her community is compromised.

It also includes HIV. In the Pacific, women and girls continue to face unique vulnerabilities when it comes to HIV risk, from unequal power in relationships to the barriers many face when simply trying to negotiate condom use. When stigma silences her and fear stops her from testing, her health pays the price.

In a region where intersecting crises continue to deepen inequality and exclusion, SRHRJ is not just a global statement. It is a call to action on our doorstep.

Her menstrual health. Her sexual health. Her right to live free from HIV stigma and fear. These are not separate conversations. They are one. 🌏

Today and every day, we stand with every woman and girl across the Pacific. Her health. Her rights. Her voice. FOR THEM. ❤️

IPPF ESEAOR

24/05/2026

SIPPA’s humanitarian response teams have been in Ranongga, Western Province, delivering essential sexual and reproductive health services to communities affected by Tropical Cyclone Maila.

Through our mobile clinics and outreach activities, SIPPA’s dedicated clinical staff and volunteers are providing services under the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) to ensure timely, life-saving care reaches women, men, young people and vulnerable populations.

SIPPA remains committed to ensuring communities continue to access life-saving sexual and reproductive health information and services during times of crisis.

This work is funded by the Australian Government’s aid program through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in partnership with the International Planned Parenthood Federation’s SPRINT Initiative.

23/05/2026

On behalf of the Board and Management of the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), we extend our warm Whit Monday greetings to all our clients, partners, and families.

May this occasion bring peace, renewal, and blessings to you and your loved ones.

Please note that our office will be closed on Monday 25 May 2026, in observance of the Whit Monday public holiday, and will resume normal operations on Tuesday 26 May 2026.

Thank you for your understanding. We wish you a safe and blessed Whit Monday.

22/05/2026

𝗦𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗔'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆

SIPPA staff and volunteers recently visited Titiana Community in Western Province, where they delivered mobile clinic services and conducted sexual and reproductive health outreach activities at the Titiana Community High School and within the wider community.

SIPPA’s clinical staff provided a range of sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning and counselling.

During the outreach, awareness sessions on teenage pregnancy, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV were carried out, highlighting the root causes, risks and prevention measures. Focus-group discussions were also held with men, women and young people, creating a space for open dialogue and community engagement on important health issues.

Community members welcomed the outreach and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to access sexual and reproductive health information and services.

This outreach activity was conducted separately from SIPPA’s humanitarian response activities while teams were awaiting deployment to Ranongga.

21/05/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲: 𝗦𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀 🤝📋

SIPPA concluded its Real-Time Review on Monday with a virtual interview with UNFPA Solomon Islands, featuring Field Office Lead Alicia Kenilorea, Programme Analyst Ruth Ramofulia, and Programme Finance Associate Veronica Lafena. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration and support for humanitarian response initiatives.

Last week, the team conducted in-person interviews in Honiara with Deputy Secretary for Public Health and Incident Controller for the Tropical Cyclone Maila response, Dr. Nemia Bainivalu; General Secretary of Development Services Exchange, Jennifer Wate; CEO of the National Disability Forum of Solomon Islands, Casper Fa'asala; and Disaster Risk Reduction Officer, Naomi Tai. These conversations gathered key insights to improve coordination and humanitarian response efforts.

Interviews were also held with SIPPA staff and volunteers following their deployment to Simbo and Vella Lavella in Western Province, and a debrief session in Gizo captured their experiences, challenges and lessons learned from the initial response.

Together, these engagements provided valuable insights for improving future coordination, deepening partnerships and enhancing collaboration with in-country stakeholders, ensuring better support for communities affected by emergencies.

The Real-Time Review was conducted in partnership with the International Planned Parenthood Federation's IPPF Sub Regional Office for the Pacific.

13/05/2026

𝗦𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗔 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲

SIPPA is currently undertaking a Real-Time Review (RTR) of its humanitarian activities in Western Province. The first community visit was conducted yesterday at Supato Community in South Vella La Vella.

Earlier this week, SIPPA also met with key partners to strengthen coordination and collaboration in humanitarian operations across the province. Interviews with SIPPA teams will be conducted as part of the review process.

The review is being conducted in partnership with Hema Annadorai, IPPF Humanitarian Business Analyst; Milika Sesenabaravi, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, IPPF ESEAOR SROP; and Nester Amasia, SIPPA Program Manager.

The RTR aims to assess current interventions, identify immediate areas for improvement, and support continuous learning within SIPPA and the wider IPPF humanitarian network. The process also highlights good practices, recognises the dedication of teams on the ground, and identifies opportunities for organisational growth and strengthened service delivery.

Through this review, SIPPA remains committed to improving humanitarian coordination, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing cooperation with in-country stakeholders to better serve communities affected by emergencies.

IPPF Sub Regional Office for the Pacific
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

12/05/2026

Today, SIPPA joins the global health community in marking 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 and celebrating the dedication, compassion and resilience of nurses who continue to care for and support communities every day.

This year’s theme, “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlights the critical role nurses play in strengthening health systems and improving the wellbeing of individuals and families.

We acknowledge and thank our nurses and those across Solomon Islands for their tireless service, commitment and the care they provide in clinics, hospitals, communities, and during times of crisis. Your work continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of many.

08/05/2026

𝗦𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗮

SIPPA Executive Director, Jack Martin and EmpowerHER Project Officer, Viann Vozoto recently met with SolTuna’s Head of Human Resources, Ms Natasha Raitava, alongside the company clinic doctor, Hendrick Kaniki and senior clinic nurse, Sister Christina Elliot in Noro, Western Province.

The meeting strengthened collaboration under SIPPA’s EmpowerHER Project, which focuses on strengthening prevention and improving response to sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls. Discussions highlighted the importance of partnership in promoting safer and healthier communities through awareness, training, and coordinated support services.

SolTuna welcomed SIPPA’s engagement and expressed appreciation for being part of the EmpowerHER Project, offering support towards future activities, including the use of training venues for programs involving company employees and community representatives around Noro.

SIPPA also invited SolTuna to join the Provincial Stakeholders Network for the EmpowerHER Project, working alongside Western Province SAFENET partners to strengthen prevention efforts and support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

06/05/2026

𝗦𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗔 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

SIPPA visited the EmpowerHER Project communities of Buni, Madou and Kinamara in Western Province earlier this week to assess the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Maila.

SIPPA engaged with community members and visited local health facilities to better understand the situation on the ground.

Findings from the assessment will guide the way forward, shaping our work with communities to address sexual and gender-based violence through the EmpowerHER Project. They will also inform the timeline for rolling out activities, based on the level of impact in each community.

SIPPA remains committed to supporting project communities under the EmpowerHER Project in preventing sexual and gender-based violence, by strengthening CARE Committees and improving SAFENET referral pathways.