Solomon Islands is one of the 15 countries around the world that yet to register any confirm cases of the novel coronavirus. With this good news, it doesn’t stop the men, women, and especially youths in Solomon Islands to prepare.

One of the first rural communities in Malaita province that took a step forward to set up its COVID19 committee is Fulikaomae located a few kilometres from Provincial capital Auki. The community established a committee after a young concern leader Philip Subu initiated his advocacy to protect his people from the virus. The committee is headed by youths of the Fulikaomae community.

“My idea to come up with this initiative is to work together to fight this covid19,” Mr Subu said.

He explained that after the declaration of a state of Emergency by our Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara, he decided to come home and set up this committee. He said that their aim is to carry awareness and give updates to people at all times about this virus.

“Even though we are yet to have any confirm case, we have to prepare ahead because this virus is a threat to all of us.”

Young Advocate Phillip Subu | Photo from Phillip Subu Facebook page

This young committee has set up some rules to protect their community. Those rules include no late night free movement for people in the community, strangers are not allowed to enter the community without the committee’s knowledge, spreading of false information about Covid19 is not permitted, and strengthening the working together.

So far, the community is practicing these rules and people are adopting to them. Subu added that they also encouraged people to eat more local food and plant more local food as well.

“In the past, our people always depend on rice and imported goods but now we turned the focus so that our people must plant more local and eat local foods.”

The committee is also working together with authorities including the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and other leading partners who work towards one common goal to fight against the virus.

Mr Subu said that he would like to call on the government of this country to stand and work together with the people to continue fight this coronavirus.

“Support youths of this country and engage them in the fight”, he concluded.

Solomon Islands already tested 13 suspected cases but all returned negative. Solomon Islanders especially the youth will continue to maintain a positive outlook against this global pandemic.

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