SIPPA mobile clinic to provide free and confidential HIV and syphilis screening three nights each week
A new night-time mobile clinic offering free HIV and syphilis testing is set to begin operating in Honiara this Friday, as the Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) works to improve access to sexual health services within local communities.
The outreach clinic will operate three evenings each week, bringing HIV and STI testing services directly to communities throughout Honiara.
SIPPA has invited community-based organisations, including youth groups, women’s groups and community committees, to contact the organisation if they are interested in hosting the mobile service.
The exact locations where testing will take place will not be publicly announced in order to protect the privacy, safety and confidentiality of people using the service.
SIPPA Communications Coordinator Andrea Ma’ahanua said the initiative aims to address some of the barriers that prevent people, particularly young people, from accessing sexual and reproductive health services during regular daytime hours.
The mobile outreach team will include SIPPA volunteers along with two dedicated nurses.
According to Ma’ahanua, the night clinics will also provide important information and increase community awareness about HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
The initiative is focused on prevention, safer health practices and providing free HIV and STI screening in an environment where people can feel safe and have their privacy respected.
The service comes as concerns grow over changing patterns of HIV transmission in the Solomon Islands. Recent cases have increasingly indicated broader community transmission rather than infections connected only to previously identified cases or particular clusters.
By the end of May 2026, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services had recorded 25 new HIV cases in the Solomon Islands, bringing the cumulative number of confirmed cases to 104.
This represents an increase from the 79 HIV cases reported by MHMS on December 1, 2025, during the country’s World AIDS Day observance.
Ma’ahanua said concerns surrounding stigma, discrimination and confidentiality can make some people reluctant to seek HIV testing during standard operating hours.
She emphasised that HIV can affect anyone and that knowing one’s HIV status is an important part of protecting personal health as well as the wellbeing of loved ones.
People accessing the mobile service will receive counselling and support throughout the testing process.
If an initial rapid HIV test produces a reactive result, a second confirmatory test will be conducted through the laboratory services of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Anyone who receives a confirmed positive result will then be referred to the HIV/STI Unit for additional assessment, treatment and ongoing support.
SIPPA will continue to provide counselling and referral assistance to help people connect with the appropriate healthcare services they may need.
Ma’ahanua also highlighted that people living with HIV can live long and fulfilling lives when they consistently follow their prescribed treatment.
HIV treatment requires a lifelong commitment and medication needs to be taken regularly according to guidance from healthcare professionals.
SIPPA acknowledged ongoing support from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Australian Government through DFAT, and the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).
The new night-time mobile clinic is expected to give people across Honiara another opportunity to learn their HIV status, access reliable sexual health information and receive early referrals and support when required.
