Territory’s chief and only epidemiologist Dr John Tufa resigns

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Health’s Chief Epidemiologist Aifili Dr John Tufa has resigned from his post after four years in office.

This was confirmed by the Acting Director of Health, Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr in response to questions from Samoa News.

“I can confirm that Afili resigned. He tendered his resignation last week and his last day in office is the 10 November.

“However we have already put out an expression of interest application overseas and we have candidates that will be joining our team maybe by next month.”

Director of Health, Motusa Tuileama Nua is currently overseas.

Aifili is the only epidemiologist at the Department of Health. Epidemiology is the area of healthcare that deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases, illnesses and other factors relating to health, according to the HealthNet website.

“Epidemiologists are professionals in the medical field, and by definition, they work largely in controlled conditions in a laboratory.

“If a disease breaks out or there is an epidemic, epidemiologists will go into the field to study the disease-causing organisms directly and to advise authorities on control strategies.

“They will also safely collect such organisms for further study in laboratory conditions where the environment is contained and controlled.

“Even during times of no crisis, their work is invaluable because they often predict future disease occurrences and can make recommendations on preventative measures.”

In an interview with Samoa News Fautanu said the public does not need to worry as the Department has already taken action to get more Epidemiologists on island to serve the public.

Vesi further noted that Aifili is looking at establishing a private consultancy firm and in that way he can cater not only for the DOH but also to the LBJ hospital.

Asked whether there is a controversial  issue that led to Aifili’s resignation, Fautanu said no.

“Aifili was in charge of contact tracing for the territory during the COVID and we still have on board the division staff that worked with Aifili and we know their abilities and they can carry on the work for now, until we bring new someone to fill this position.

“It is a huge loss for the Department no doubt, but if one decides to resign for whatever reason, the Department has to take necessary actions,” said the Acting DOH Director.

Samoa News reached out to Aifili, he said the move was not taken lightly.

“My time and experience at the DoH has been unprecedented and I am very grateful for that.

 “However, at this point in my career, I would like to focus more in my field as an epidemiologist in research and disease investigations. At this time, the department’s priorities are not aligned with what I would like to do because of several challenges that come with low resource settings,” he said.

Adding that this is certainly not the end.

 “I will continue to do what I can to support the government and the people of American Samoa.

“I do want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Director Nua and the leadership at DoH and I thank them for giving me an opportunity to work there,” he said in response to questions from Samoa News.