Contact investigation and preventive treatment mission strengthens TB prevention in Isabel Province

More than 200 people in Isabel Province benefited from a targeted tuberculosis (TB) prevention mission that identified people at risk, detected new TB cases and expanded access to preventive treatment, strengthening efforts to stop TB before it spreads in communities.

Conducted from 24 to 30 July 2026 with support from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program, and Isabel Provincial Health Office, the mission strengthened TB prevention, early detection, and treatment follow-up through active contact investigation, roll-out of tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT), health worker mentorship, and community awareness activities in support of Solomon Islands’ commitment to reduce TB transmission, improve treatment outcomes, and protect communities from preventable disease.

Strong results for TB prevention and early detection 

A total of 220 TB contacts were screened, including 189 contacts of rifampicin-resistant TB cases and 31 contacts of drug-susceptible TB cases. Through this effort, 33 people were diagnosed with latent TB infection, and all 33 eligible contacts were started on preventive treatment, helping reduce their risk of developing active TB disease.

The team also detected three new TB cases and linked them to treatment, ensuring that people received timely care while helping prevent further transmission in households and communities.

Community engagement was central to the mission as more than 200 people were reached through TB awareness and education sessions, improving understanding of symptoms, prevention, treatment adherence, and the importance of seeking health care early.


NTLP Coordinator Audrey explains TPT options to the PTL Coordinator, Milson as part of TPT rollout mentorship. Photo: WHO / Dr Ronald Achidri

In addition, 49 healthcare workers were screened, and 11 were diagnosed with latent TB infection and started on preventive treatment. This reflects the mission’s focus on protecting frontline health workers while strengthening infection prevention and control practices in health facilities.

“These results show the value of bringing TB services closer to communities through active screening, early detection and preventive treatment,” said Hon. Morris Toiraena, Minister of Health and Medical Services. “By finding people at risk early, linking confirmed cases to treatment, and strengthening the skills of provincial health workers, we are helping protect families, reduce transmission and build more resilient TB services in Isabel Province.”

“I would like to thank all of you for your tireless efforts and unwavering technical support in conducting training on latent and active TB at Buala Hospital,” said Mr Martin Gavira, Isabel Provincial Health Director. “I look forward to working with my team to continue these important efforts.”

The mission also invested in Isabel Province's long-term capacity. Thirteen healthcare workers were trained and mentored on TB contact investigation and preventive treatment, with knowledge scores improving from 49% before the training to 81% afterward. The team provided six days of practical coaching and on-site support to strengthen confidence and skills among provincial teams.

The team also conducted supportive supervision at Buala Hospital, and outreach activities reached Rifukoti village in Buala Ward and Kolosori village in Hovikoilo Ward. These activities strengthened TB reporting, monitoring, infection prevention and control, and practical implementation of TPT at provincial and community levels.

MHMS and partners commended the Isabel Provincial Health Office, Buala Hospital staff, community leaders, and health workers for their commitment and support for the mission. Their collaboration helped bring TB prevention and care closer to communities and contributed to stronger, more sustainable TB services in Isabel Province.

“Contact tracing lies at the heart of tuberculosis prevention. Isabel Province has set an important example by ensuring that every case is followed by a thorough contact investigation, helping us find those at risk early and prevent the spread of disease,” said Dr Howard Sobel, WHO Representative in Solomon Islands. “Isabel Province has shown the standard we should all strive for: comprehensive, timely, and high-quality contact tracing for every case.”

This mission was made possible through funding support from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, with implementation support provided by the Burnet Institute and World Vision Solomon Islands.