The Solomon Islands, a least developed country, is one of the poorest nations in the Pacific, mainly due to internal ethnic conflict between 1999 and 2003. However, recovery has been made possible in large part through international trade. The national economy is based on agriculture and fisheries. The fish industry employs about 1,800 people (60% women) and contributes substantially to the national economy. Processed fish, mainly canned tuna and cooked tuna loins, is among the top three export commodities.

Maintaining access to the EU (the largest destination market) and other international markets is a national priority. Substantial support has already been provided by the EU and Australia to establish the competent authority for food safety and the infrastructure for diagnostic testing. However, additional assistance is needed to enable the national laboratory to conduct microbiological testing in line with international standards.

The project aimed to enhance the country's testing capacity by:

•      Strengthening the NPHL's capacity to conduct microbiological testing in compliance with international standards.
•      Enhancing the NPHL's capacity to monitor and evaluate contamination risks associated with water and food for the domestic population.

While progress was made, challenges related to staff turnover, procurement and low volumes of samples persisted. These challenges were compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic as laboratory staff were unable to attend training that was planned to take place overseas.

The NPHL is now well positioned to achieve accreditation, provided that the government and international partners allocate resources and attention to some key outstanding areas.