WHO Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau

13/01/2026

To protect our health, we must also protect the health of animals, plants and the environment.

We can all take steps as individuals, including vaccinating our pets, buying food from safe sources, and using antibiotics responsibly.

But as well as individual efforts, we also need strong systems, policies, and collaboration across the health, agriculture, and environmental sectors to mitigate the risks of climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and emerging diseases.

brings everyone together for a healthier world.

09/01/2026

Too much salt in our diet can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Most people eat more salt than they realize, often from processed foods or adding extra at the table.

Small changes make a difference:
✅ Taste food before adding salt
✅ Choose fresh foods when possible
✅ Check labels for lower-salt options
✅ Use herbs and spices for flavour instead of salt

Protect your heart, consume .

05/01/2026

High blood pressure often has no symptoms, but it can lead to serious health problems if left unchecked.

The good news? It’s manageable. Regularly check your blood pressure and follow your healthcare provider’s advice on medicines. Also, adopt healthy habits: eat well, stay active, quit smoking, and limit alcohol intake.

Small steps today protect your heart tomorrow.

01/01/2026

Happy 2026! ✨

Your health deserves to be a priority this new year. Here are 6 ways to be healthier in 2026.

Whether you're building new habits or returning to ones that make you feel good, small steps can lead to big changes.

30/12/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect on a year of collaboration and commitment to healthier communities in American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau.

Led by our Pacific island countries and areas, alongside our partners, we worked together to promote health and keep the world safe.

The WHO Representative Office for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau wishes you a joyful holiday season and a bright, healthy start to the new year. ✨ Let’s keep working together for a healthier future.

23/12/2025

Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year are all about coming together with loved ones. Let’s make sure these celebrations stay healthy and happy by reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and influenza. Here’s how:
✅ Open windows for good ventilation
✅ Cover coughs and sneezes
✅ Wash hands often with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
✅ Keep vaccinations up to date
✅ Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas
✅ Stay home if feeling unwell

Spread joy, not viruses, this festive season! 🌟🎄

20/12/2025

With Christmas and New Year celebrations approaching, kitchens are buzzing with preparations for delicious meals. Keep your loved ones safe by following these simple food safety tips:
✅ Store meat in the fridge until cooking
✅ Separate raw and cooked foods
✅ Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water
✅ Cook food thoroughly
✅ Wash hands frequently during food prep
✅ Choose restaurants with good hygiene and avoid raw or undercooked food

Eat safely and stay healthy this festive season! 🌟🎄

19/12/2025

Year-end celebrations are in full swing. But a night out and a few drinks should never end in tragedy.

Alcohol-related road injuries and deaths are preventable. If you’re celebrating, plan ahead:
❌ Don’t drink and drive
✅ Arrange safe transport
✅ Look out for friends

Protect our streets and communities. Let’s make this festive season safe for everyone!

17/12/2025

Measles is spreading rapidly worldwide. If you are planning a trip, make sure your immunizations are up to date to protect our Pacific communities.

Why?
🔴 Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air.
🔴 You can catch it just by entering a room where an infected person has been.

Vaccination is the best protection for you and your family. Visit your doctor or health centre to check your immunization status before you go.

Travel safe, travel responsibly!

15/12/2025

Feeling the year-end rush as 2025 wraps up? Movement can help.

In addition to the physical benefits of movement, it can also help improve your mood and energy levels, manage stress, and support mental well-being. activities like walking, dancing, yoga, or stretching can make a big difference.

Your mental health deserves a daily dose of movement! 🚶🏽💃🏽🧘🏻

14/12/2025

Influenza is common in all parts of the world, but it can cause severe illness or even death. Each year, seasonal flu is responsible for an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths globally.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza. Combine this with everyday preventive habits, such as good hygiene and staying home when sick, to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

10/12/2025

Congratulations to the Cook Islands for launching the National Action Plan for Health Security 2026–2030!

This milestone, achieved just months after the country’s first Joint External Evaluation, reflects strong national commitment and multisectoral collaboration to health security.

With the leadership of Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health Cook Islands and support from WHO, Polynesian Health Corridors Programme and other partners, the plan will help prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats, protecting communities across Rarotonga and the Pa Enua.

Read more from our joint news release:

In a decisive step towards safeguarding public health and strengthening national resilience, the Cook Islands today launched its National Action Plan for Health Security 2026–2030 (NAPHS), just seven months after completing their first Joint External Evaluation (JEE) in May. The NAPHS, developed b...