Junilyn Pikacha facts for kids

Junilyn Pikacha (born December 25, 1952 – died November 10, 2010) was a very important person in the Solomon Islands. She was the first woman doctor in the country. Her work helped many people, especially women and children.

Early Life and Education

Junilyn was born Junilyn Galo. She was the oldest of nine children. Her father, Paul Galo, was a teacher. He taught at Ruruvai Primary School on Choiseul Island. Her mother's name was Noge.

Between 1954 and 1957, her family moved to Papua New Guinea. Her father taught at schools there, including the Konkavul Seventh-Day Adventist school. Junilyn started Kambubu Secondary School in 1967. After finishing there in 1970, she went to Sopas Nursing School in 1971.

Becoming a Doctor

Junilyn was a very good student. She earned a special scholarship. This allowed her to study medicine at the University of Papua New Guinea. She studied there from 1972 to 1978.

While at university, she met and married Douglas Pikacha. He was also a student. They had their first son, Patrick, in 1974. Their daughter, Nola, was born in 1978.

Medical Career and Family Life

After medical school, Junilyn and Douglas started their careers. Douglas became a Registrar at Nonga Hospital in Rabaul. Junilyn also got a medical job there.

A year later, they moved to Kimbe and Biala. In 1981, they moved again to Kerema. Douglas chose to specialize in surgery. Junilyn preferred surgery too, but she decided to work in obstetrics and gynaecology. This means she helped women during pregnancy and with their health.

Returning Home

The Pikacha family moved back to the Solomon Islands in 1981. From 1982 to 1984, they worked at 'Atoifi Adventist Hospital on Malaita. In 1985, they moved to Honiara. They worked at the Central Hospital there.

Junilyn and Douglas wanted to learn even more. From 1987 to 1988, they went to Honolulu. They studied at the University of Hawaii. Both earned a Master's degree in Public Health. This degree helps doctors understand how to improve health for whole communities.

Leadership and Public Health Work

In 1988, they returned to the Solomon Islands. Junilyn worked at the Reproductive Health Department. This hospital later became the National Referral Hospital. She worked there until 2009.

She became the Director of Maternal and Child Health. This meant she led efforts to keep mothers and children healthy. Her husband, Douglas, became the Director of Surgery. In 1992, they had another son, Douglas.

Helping the Community

Junilyn also ran her own private clinic. This clinic focused on women's health. She was also the Director of the Reproductive Health Division for the Solomon Islands government. She wrote research papers to share her knowledge.

She also served on a special board for the United Nations. This board worked on reproductive health and family planning in the Pacific region.

Junilyn Pikacha was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. She passed away in 2010. She is remembered as a pioneer who greatly improved healthcare for women and children in the Solomon Islands.