Remove 'Fala' plants to curb dengue fever

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The public and village communities in Samoa have been asked to remove fala (bromeliads), a decorative plant known to collect water and contribute to the spread of dengue fever.

The call comes as Samoa continues to battle a rise in dengue cases, particularly among children, with several patients currently hospitalized at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Moto’otua.

According to the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development Assistant Chief Executive Officer (ACEO) Aufa’i Alan Aiolupotea, bromeliads, although attractive, have become a serious concern.

“These plants are beautiful to look at, but they have a serious impact,” said Aufa’i. “They collect water and attract mosquitoes, which puts families and communities at risk. Last Saturday, it was encouraging to see that many villages have already begun removing these plants from their compounds.”

In addition to bromeliads, the ministry is also advising the public to get rid of used car tires, which are commonly used to decorate home gardens and front yards. 

Aufa’i said the Ministry has issued official guidance to village representatives, including Sui o Nuu (village mayors), Sui Tamaitai (women representatives), and Sui o le Malo (government representatives), calling on them to take a leadership role in local cleanup efforts.

The Ministry’s message is clear: these items, though decorative, are now considered public health hazards. Families, communities, and villages are urged to act now and remove them as part of their shared responsibility to stop the spread of dengue.

Several villages across the country have already responded by organizing clean-up campaigns and encouraging residents to monitor their homes and surroundings for potential mosquito breeding grounds.

The government is appealing for cooperation and vigilance, reminding families that small changes, such as removing water-holding plants, can have a big impact in controlling the mosquito population and protecting public health.