Solomon Islands continues to strengthen action against antimicrobial resistance through TrACSS participation

Solomon Islands has successfully completed its latest submission to the Tracking Antimicrobial Resistance Country Self-Assessment Survey (TrACSS), reinforcing the country’s strong commitment to tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a coordinated, multisectoral approach.

Solomon Islands has participated in the annual survey since 2020, contributing valuable data from the human, animal, agriculture, food, environment, and health sectors to inform both national planning and global monitoring efforts. 

Across the Western Pacific Region, strong engagement continues, with a 93% participation rate in 2025 (26 out of 28 Member States)—demonstrating growing regional commitment to collective action against AMR.

“Drug-resistant infections threatens all of us,” said the Honourable Morris Toiraena, Minister of Health and Medical Services. “We are committed to protect communities across the country and confront this deadly threat. Participating in TrACSS is helping us to develop an evidence-based approach to guide our national response and ensure we are better prepared.”

“AMR is a silent but growing threat that undermines the ability of governments to treat infections effectively,” said Dr Howard Sobel, WHO Representative in Solomon Islands. “By actively engaging in TrACSS, Solomon Islands strengthens its One Health approach and contributes to global efforts to safeguard the effectiveness of these life-saving medicines.”


Solomon Islands has participated in the annual TrACCS survey since 2020, contributing valuable data from the human, animal, agriculture, food, environment, and health sectors to inform both national planning and global monitoring efforts. Photo: WHO/Ruel Serrano

The importance of TrACSS has been elevated through the Political Declaration on AMR adopted at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, which sets global, target-driven commitments to curb one of the world’s most pressing health threats. The declaration identifies TrACSS as the primary monitoring mechanism and calls for at least 95% of countries to report annually. 

AMR weakens the Solomon Islands’ health system by making infections harder and more expensive to treat. When antibiotics become less effective, patients experience longer illnesses, more complications, and higher risks of death. 

AMR increases pressure on hospitals, laboratories, healthcare workers, and medicine supplies, while also raising healthcare costs. Because the Solomon Islands has limited resources and many remote island communities, managing resistant infections is particularly challenging. AMR therefore threatens public health gains, disease control efforts, and the country's ability to provide effective healthcare, making it a major national health priority.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services and partner ministries have adopted a National Multi-sectoral AMR Plan (2023–2026) based on a One Health approach that links human, animal, agriculture, food and environmental health. Key actions include:

• Improving AMR awareness

• Strengthening surveillance and laboratory testing

• Promoting responsible antibiotic use

• Improving infection prevention and control

• Enhancing governance and coordination across sectors.


The Political Declaration on AMR identifies TrACSS as the primary monitoring mechanism and calls for at least 95% of countries to report annually. Photo: WHO/Ruel Serrano

Data from TrACSS compiled with consultation of the relevant sectors plays a critical role in supporting evidence-based decision-making in Solomon Islands to:

• identify national gaps and priorities in AMR response;

• allocate resources and technical support more effectively;

• strengthen implementation of the One Health approach across sectors; and

• guide collaboration with development partners on policy, advocacy and capacity-building efforts. 

Continued engagement in TrACSS remains essential for achieving global targets and protecting health systems, livelihoods and development gains for future generations.

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