WHO Regional Director visits Samoa and American Samoa

Apia, SAMOA — Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, in a formal ceremony on April 16, 2024, handed over to the Samoa Ministry of Health an oxygen plant and consumables, funded by the European Union and valued at approximately US$ 500,000, as well as two WHO-funded ultrasound machines valued at US$ 48,000. Prior to the handover, Dr Piukala toured the Biomedical, and Ear, Nose and Throat units at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Apia.

Following his visit to Samoa, Dr Piukala flew to American Samoa and met with the Governor, HC Lemanu P.S. Mauga; the Lieutenant Governor La’apui Talauega Eleasalo Va’alele Ale; and senior officials of the Department of Health to discuss WHO’s technical cooperation in American Samoa. He also met with the Executive of the Lyndon B Johnson (LBJ) Tropical Medical Center in Faga’alu, where he toured the facility.

He also delivered opening remarks at the 15th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Samoa last week.

In his remarks, Dr Piukala highlighted several issues pertinent to the Region, such as the resurgence of measles, the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, and the impacts of severe weather in the Northern Pacific. These issues underscore the Regional Director’s priorities during his term of office, which include advancing universal health coverage through transformative primary health care; accelerating action on climate change; and implementing lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic response in preparation for future pandemics and other disease outbreaks. He reiterated these themes throughout his visit, including during meetings with high-level representatives from the Government of Samoa and representatives from Australia and New Zealand.

While in Samoa, Dr Piukala paid courtesy calls on Afioga i le Ao o le Malo, Tuimalealiifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi II, Head of State; the Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa; and the Minister of Health, Valasi Luapitofanua Toogamaga Tafito Selesele.  

The WHO Regional Director also met with Mr Themba Kalua, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Samoa. He attended mass with staff from the WHO country office in Samoa and the Ulu of Tokelau, Alapati Tevita, at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Apia. Another highlight was a visit to the House of Hope, a sanctuary for children who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence. The children welcomed the visiting WHO team with song and dance performances and Dr Piukala thanked their caregivers for their dedication to the children. “The children came alive during their performance. They truly have hope for their future due to the love, care and support provided by their caregivers,” he said.