rp21 situational analysis - Pacific Health Voices

Demographics
The current population of the Solomon
Islands is estimated to be over 530 000. 695
The majority of the population is Melanesian
at approximately 94.5 per cent. Other
ethnic groups include Polynesians, Micronesians
and people of unspecified ethnicity.
An estimated 40 per cent of the population
is under 15 years of age. 696
Government
After years of ethnic tension and a coup
in 2000, the Solomon Islands became characterised
by growing lawlessness, extortion
and open corruption. The government was
un able to manage the economy and deliver
basic services. The Prime Minister, Sir Alan
Kemakeza, requested assistance from Australia
and regional partners in the Pacific and,
as a consequence, the RAMSI was deployed
on 24 July 2003. While progress in the ensuing
period has been considerable, the situation
in Solomon Islands remains fragile. 697
Health and development
Similar to the majority of PICTs, the people
of the Solomon Islands rely on agriculture
and fishing for their livelihood, with more
than 80 per cent of the population involved
in these activities. Also characterised by
population growth rates of around 2.4 per
cent, urban migration is an emerging issue,
increasing demands on infrastructure and
services. 698 When compared to other PICTs,
Solomon Islands’ access to both primary and
secondary education is low, as is the adult
literacy rate at approximately 76.6 per cent.
In addition to these challenges, the Solomon
Islands has one of the highest malaria
rates in the world. 699 This and other diseases
contribute to an infant mortality rate that is
one of the highest in the world.
145
695 NZAID, Where NZAID works: Solomon Islands. Available at:
(accessed April 2009).
696 Above, fn.693.
697 Above, fn.694.
698 Ibid.
699 Ibid.
Solomon Islands