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

21/08/2025

Chikungunya cases are on the rise globally.

This mosquito-borne virus causes fever and severe joint pain. While rarely fatal, chikungunya can be debilitating and long-lasting.

Learn how chikungunya spreads, what symptoms to watch for, and how to protect yourself ➡️ https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/chikungunya

17/08/2025

Have you heard of the International Health Regulations?

The International Health Regulations (IHR) provide an overarching legal framework that defines countries’ rights and obligations in handling public health events and emergencies that could cross borders.

In a world where health threats can cross borders quickly, the IHR is more important than ever, enabling countries to work together to detect and respond to health threats.

Want to understand the latest IHR amendments and what they really mean? Get the facts ➡️ https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/international-health-regulations-amendments

10/08/2025

Happy Father’s Day!

A healthy dad is a strong dad – for your family, community, and yourself.

This Father’s Day and every day, remember that your health matters. Take care of your health by attending regular check-ups, eating healthily, quitting to***co and alcohol, staying physically active, and seeking support for your mental health if needed.

06/08/2025

It’s World Breastfeeding Week!

Many women do not breastfeed for as long as they would like.

Here’s how to support breastfeeding mothers so they can breastfeed anytime, anywhere.

04/08/2025

Happy 60th Constitution Day, Cook Islands! 🇨🇰

As the nation celebrates the 60th anniversary of its self-governance, please take steps to protect your health, especially during large gatherings and outdoor festivities.

with these simple tips:
🔹 If you're feeling unwell, it's best to stay home and rest to avoid spreading illness to others.
🔹 Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or after touching shared surfaces.
🔹 Use insect repellent and wear long sleeves to protect against mosquito bites, especially with the risk of dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
🔹 Keep food safe by storing it properly and cooking it thoroughly.
🔹 If you're in crowded or enclosed spaces, consider wearing a mask to protect yourself.

Celebrate this special day by staying healthy and looking out for one another.

Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health Cook Islands

04/08/2025

It’s World Breastfeeding Week!

Breastfeeding provides the perfect nutrition for babies and a healthy beginning - with benefits that last for life.

From maternity leave to trained counsellors, let’s ensure every mum gets the breastfeeding support she needs!

29/07/2025

Today, the Government of Samoa officially welcomed Dr Wendy Snowdon as the new WHO Representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.

Dr Snowdon presented her credentials to the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa, and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the health priorities in Samoa.

With a strong background in public health, Dr Snowdon brings extensive experience in noncommunicable disease prevention, health promotion, food policy, and nutrition. Prior to her new role as WHO Representative based in Samoa, she served as the Country Liaison Officer at WHO Kiribati. Dr Snowdon’s leadership will be crucial in advancing in Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau.

We look forward to continued collaboration under Dr Snowdon’s guidance to build healthier, more resilient communities across the five countries and areas we support.

Read more about Dr Snowdon in her bio: https://www.who.int/samoa/about-us/head-of-who-office

Photo: WHO/Faizza Tanggol

28/07/2025

Today is World Hepatitis Day.

Governments can lead the fight against hepatitis and prevent liver cancer by raising awareness, expanding hepatitis B birth-dose vaccines, ensuring safe medical practices, making testing and treatment accessible, integrating services across health programmes, and engaging with stakeholders.

and beat hepatitis together! Find out more: https://bit.ly/HepatitisDay2025

25/07/2025

Today is World Drowning Prevention Day.

Drowning remains a critically overlooked public health issue despite being almost entirely preventable.

These five actions can save lives:
1️⃣secure access to water,
2️⃣create safe spaces for children,
3️⃣improve your swimming and water safety skills,
4️⃣get training in safe rescue,
5️⃣raise awareness in your community.

If you’ve taken part in any of these efforts, no matter how big or small, your story matters.

🗣️ Share it using and tag World Health Organization (WHO). Your story could save a life. 👉http://bit.ly/DrowningPrevention2025

24/07/2025

Around the world, every 7 minutes, a child under the age of 5 loses their life to drowning. This tragedy is entirely preventable.

In our Pacific islands, where water plays a vital role in our daily lives, drowning remains a serious public health issue.

This World Drowning Prevention Day, help us raise awareness about and what you can do to protect your children: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-drowning-prevention-day/2025

23/07/2025

This Self-Care Day, let’s talk about something we all need: social connection.

Social connection is defined as the ways people relate to and interact with others. It is more than just being around people. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and valued. And it’s a vital part of our mental and physical well-being.

Taking care of ourselves includes building meaningful connections with one another.

Find out more 👉🏽 http://bit.ly/3Uc1hpr

23/07/2025

As continues to spread in the Pacific, the World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with governments and partners to scale up surveillance, vector control, risk communication, community engagement.

Nearly 19,000 suspected cases have been reported so far in 2025 👉 making it the highest surge since 2016.

🎧 For more insights, listen to this Radio New Zealand RNZ podcast, featuring Dr Mark Jacobs, Director of Pacific Technical Support and WHO Representative to the South Pacific and Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen, Acting Director General of Health in Samoa.

Now is the time for coordinated action to stop dengue and protect our communities.

Ministry of Health Samoa

Dengue cases in the Pacific are at their highest since 2016, with nearly 19,000 people affected, the World Health Organisation says.