Australia is expanding its engagements in Solomon Islands with an array of medical, public health and maritime security initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability as Beijing’s attempts to gain influence raise concern.
Canberra’s nine-year, $73 million Health Sector Support Program is bolstering the Pacific island country’s capabilities in areas including malaria control, maternal and child health, water sanitation, and hygiene.
In March 2025, a multiyear, $17.7 million partnership was launched to strengthen clinical governance and provincial health infrastructure, according to Australia’s National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. The investment will support Solomon Islands’ Health and Medical Services Ministry “in its efforts to implement the National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2031 and further support the delivery of better health services in the country,” Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton said.
Meanwhile, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has deployed medical teams to remote hospitals as part of Operation Render Safe. At Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda, a 2nd Health Battalion team treated patients and mentored local practitioners, including in surgical techniques, Australia’s Defence Department reported.
In February 2025, the Australian Defence Vessel Reliant docked in Solomon Islands’ capital, Honiara, to deliver three vessels that will be equipped as patrol boats for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
Capacity-building initiatives extend to emergency response. Also in February, five RSIPF officers became certified first-aid trainers under an initiative supported by the ADF and the Solomon Islands Police Support Program, officials said.
Canberra also has pledged about $10 million under its Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, including $1.9 million for the Australian Red Cross to enhance community disease outbreak response in Solomon Islands and neighboring nations.
Other regional partners also are increasing support. New Zealand jointly funds the Pacific Islands Emergency Management Alliance with Australia to deliver emergency and disaster management training across the Pacific, including in Solomon Islands, while Japan’s investments include ambulances, fire trucks and other emergency equipment for provincial health clinics.
The broad-based support of regional Allies and Partners contrasts with Beijing’s security- and infrastructure-focused approach. Under the nations’ secretive 2022 security pact, China can deploy military and police personnel to Solomon Islands, which has sparked regional concern. Through its One Belt, One Road (OBOR) infrastructure scheme, meanwhile, Beijing is backing port redevelopment and mining projects, which has raised alarm that Solomon Islands could be left with debt, environmental damage and reduced sovereignty.
Analysts caution that OBOR projects lack the transparency, local consultation and sustainability that characterize collaborative programs supported by Allies and Partners such as Australia.
