BY ALEX DADAMU
A report on a study by the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), Addressing Preventable Maternal Mortality and Morbidity: the Determinants and Consequences of unsafe Abortion in the Solomon Islands was launched on Thursday, October 20 at the Heritage Park Hotel, Honiara.
During the launch, a panel discussion also took place where participants from relevant health authorities, government departments, and organizations in the Solomon Islands were able to give feedback and highlight areas where collaboration can take place to ensure women and girls in the country had access to the right information and services.
The study carried out to formulate the report consists of two research projects, one carried out at Honiara and Guadalcanal in 2015 and another in 2018 at Isabel, Guadalcanal, and Malaita.
According to the report, the two mixed-method studies were conducted utilizing a similar approach, which is to assess the determining factor of unwanted pregnancy and unsafe abortion and estimate the health economic, and other impacts of unsafe abortion in the Solomon Islands.
The report highlighted the determinants, practices, and consequences of unsafe abortion in the Solomon Islands, documenting a serious public health issue.
“Furthermore, these findings, and recent studies on the status of girls and women’s sexual and reproductive rights, contribute to an evidence base to support the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS), with support from SIPPA, other civil society organizations and development partners, to prevent and respond to unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion,” A statement on the report said.
The report confirmed that both the 2015 and 2018 studies included interviews with health workers and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with adult women and men.
“Data were collected from Honiara City Council (HCC) and in two communities in Guadalcanal in 2015, and in rural areas in Guadalcanal, Isabel, and Malaita provinces in 2018.
“Across the two studies: 26 interviews were conducted with doctors, midwives, nurses, nurse aids, and pharmacy technicians across different levels of the health system, and public and private facilities, as well as custom doctors. 46 Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted, involving 477 men and women.
“Ethics approval for both studies was obtained from the Solomon Islands National Heath Training and Research Institute.
The report listed major findings and among other recommended steps to be taken – the evidence generated from these and other studies supports existing efforts on the part of the Solomon Islands government and civil society organizations to expand girls’ and women reproductive rights.
