The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and World Health Organization (WHO) activated the Health Cluster on Thursday in response to Cyclone Racquel, which is currently passing over Solomon Islands.
"Cyclone Raquel is causing strong winds and heavy rain throughout the country, which could seriously impact health," said MHMS Acting Permanent Secretary Dr Christopher Becha. "Such extreme weather can lead to infectious diseases outbreaks, damage health infrastructure and limit access to health care services."
The Health Cluster operates under the guidance of the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO). The Cluster is co-chaired by MHMS and WHO, and will include United Nations agencies, donor partners and non-government organizations involved in the health sector.
"The activation of the Health Cluster demonstrates MHMS's commitment to ensuring Solomon Islanders remain safe and healthy," said WHO Officer-in-charge Dr Audrey Aumua. "The Health Cluster provides a platform to assess readiness, and respond to health emergencies efficiently and effectively."
MHMS and WHO are reminding the public to continue practicing safe hygiene methods, which include washing hands thoroughly before and after preparing food and eating, and after going to the small room, as well as boiling water before drinking it.
The health cluster will continue to monitor the health situation of Cyclone Raquel and communicate more health-related information as it becomes available.