A historic event occurred yesterday as the expanding Atoifi Health Research group met across three continents and five time zones to discuss important health research activities for the people of Malaita, Solomon Islands. As seen in the attached photo, colleagues from Atoifi led a Skype meeting using the recently upgraded internet link at Atoifi Hospital. Mr Humpress Harrington, Chief Esau Kekeubata and Mr Tommy Esau were at Atoifi and linked with Dr David Akin, University of Michigan, Em. Prof Rick Speare, currently working with WHO in Manilla, Philippines, Dr Peter Massey from Hunter New England Health, New South Wales, Australia and Dr David MacLaren and Ms Michelle Redman-MacLaren at James Cook University (JCU) in Cairns, Australia.

Despite the almost ‘MontyPythonesk’ title of this story, serious health research work was discussed. The current tuberculosis project is being finalised, with another community-driven DVD soon to be released (see the Video tab for previous examples of Atoifi’s TB work). The recent Mass Drug Administration of Albendazole to treat gutworms on Kwai and Ngongosila islands was discussed, as were plans for future research and education about gutworm transmission. The upcoming visit to East Kwaio villages by JCU Sports and Exercise Students was discussed along with the new research projects for 2015. Prof. Rick Speare also gave an update of the Ebola preparedness training he is conducting in the Philippines and will be providing Ebola awareness information at villages and working directly with Atoifi Hospital during January, 2015.

This amazing meeting across continents and time zones was possible because of the WHO TDR research capacity strengthening grant that has funded improved satellite communication. We thank WHO for funding this ongoing research capacity strengthening work.

*Title by David Akin, story by Michelle Redman-MacLaren