BY JOY OFASIA
Children in Solomon Islands are asking the government to make children’s health a top priority.
This call was made by 14-year-old Mario Dero from the Mount Austen community during a children’s forum at the International World Children’s Day celebration last week at the Multi-Purpose Hall in Honiara.
“We, the children of Solomon Islands, are calling on our government and good leaders to make children’s health a top priority. Please build more children’s clinics in Honiara and around our islands, in places where children can easily reach them,” Mario said.
She explained that children and parents in Mount Austen face difficulties because there is no children’s clinic nearby. Many have to walk long distances to reach the only clinic in town.
14-year-old Mario Dero is a member of the Mount Austen community.
“Us children at Mt Austen have to travel far distances to reach the nearest clinic in town. No parent should have to travel longer distance with a sick child. No child should lose their life or suffer because there is only one clinic,” she said.
Mario also raised concerns about access to clean and safe drinking water in her community. She asked the government to improve water facilities for Mount Austen and other rural areas.
“We call on the government to raise up to countryside communities like Mount Austen to provide good, proper, healthy, and drinkable water. We ask you, our leaders, to act with love,” she said.
She stressed the urgency of the matter, urging leaders to act quickly for the sake of children’s health.
“Children’s health cannot wait. We must act and build children’s clinics for every child in the community. Our lives matter. Our health matters. Please act now for every child of Solomon Islands,” Mario said.
Her message was clear: children want safe clinics and clean water, and they are asking leaders to listen with care and act without delay.
