Countries and Regions

	Table of Contents
p. 9 of 19 BACK | NEXT I. Country Performance Assessment II. Country Operational Strategy III. Sector Strategies A. Agriculture B. Infrastructure C. Social Infrastructure and Environment D. Rural Infrastructure and Services E. Governance Dimensions of Asian Development Bank Operations F. Gender Dimensions of Asian Development Bank Operations IV. Regional Economic Cooperation V. Donor Activities and Aid Coordination VI. Cofinancing and Catalyzing External Resources VII. ADB’s Operational Program VIII. Economic and Sector Work Program IX. Local Cost Financing

Country Assistance Plans - Solomon Islands : III. Sector Strategies

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B. Social Infrastructure

20. Health. Although there are numerous donors involved in the social sectors, particularly health, ADB assistance can help to fill major gaps in external assistance and complement the efforts of the Government and other donors. An ADB-financed Public Expenditure Review of the Health Sector in 1999 is expected to guide the preparation of the 2000 budget. Of particular concern in the sector is the high population growth rate and poor reproductive health indicators which underscore the need for increased attention to effective family planning services. A loan of US$2.0 million for a Population Policy and Services Project is proposed for 2000. Women, in particular, would benefit from the proposed project.

21. Skills Development. Formal sector employment is not expected to grow sufficiently to absorb new entrants to the labor force. At the same time, current training opportunities are inadequate to cater for the demand and ill suited to meet requirements for formal sector employment. A flexible, responsive approach to skills training is required. NGOs, churches, community groups and private training institutions have the potential for an expanded role in such provision. A loan of $3.0 million for a Skills Development Project in 2001 is proposed in order to increase the availability of quality short-term employment oriented skills training (including entrepreneurship) and the possibilities for applying these skills to promote self-employment and wage employment. To prepare and design this project, the ADB proposes to finance a PPTA of US$250,000 in 2000.

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