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

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WHO Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau The official page of the World Health Organization Representative Office for Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau

The Ministry of Health Samoa is leading a stakeholder consultation today in Apia to support the annual State Parties Sel...
20/02/2026

The Ministry of Health Samoa is leading a stakeholder consultation today in Apia to support the annual State Parties Self-Assessment Annual Reporting (SPAR) process. The consultation engages partners from multiple sectors and is supported technically by WHO.

SPAR is an annual self-assessment and reporting tool under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) that supports countries in measuring national capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats. The process promotes a multisectoral approach, recognizing that strong preparedness and response rely on coordinated action across government, agencies and partners.

As part of the stakeholder consultation, participants engaged in thematic breakout group discussions to share perspectives and contribute to a collective assessment of national capacities.

“I encourage you to approach this consultation with openness and honesty,” said the Chief Executive Officer for Health, June Scanlan Lui, during her opening remarks. “This is not about scoring higher. It is about understanding where we are and what we need to improve. Strong systems are built on accurate information and shared accountability.”

This collaborative approach supports evidence-based planning and continued strengthening of systems that protect the health and well-being of people and communities in Samoa, aligned with the country’s National Action Plan for Health Security 2025–2029.

Photos: WHO / Faizza Tanggol

INVESTING IN SAMOA’S FUTURE HEALTH WORKFORCEAs part of his visit to Samoa, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pac...
18/02/2026

INVESTING IN SAMOA’S FUTURE HEALTH WORKFORCE

As part of his visit to Samoa, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, visited the School of Medicine at The National University of Samoa (NUS), where he met with university leadership, faculty and students. The visit highlighted the central role of the School of Medicine in training doctors within Samoa, closely connected to the national health system and the communities they will serve.

During the visit, Dr Saia delivered a brief address where he emphasized that strong health systems depend on a resilient, skilled and compassionate workforce, and commended NUS for its leadership in strengthening Samoa’s medical education pipeline. He reaffirmed WHO’s longstanding partnership with NUS, including support through technical guidance, quality assurance and the WHO Fellowship Programme, and expressed WHO’s continued commitment to building a confident and capable health workforce in the region. Dr Saia also encouraged the students to remain dedicated to their training and reminded them of the critical role they will play in serving Samoa and the wider Pacific.

Photos: WHO / Faizza Tanggol

Samoa launches One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project and vital health guidelines and plans 🇼🇸Today, the ...
17/02/2026

Samoa launches One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project and vital health guidelines and plans 🇼🇸

Today, the Government of Samoa officially launched the One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project, supported through a US$ 4.75 million grant from the Pandemic Fund. The initiative brings together the Ministry of Health Samoa, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries - Samoa, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa, with support from the World Bank Pacific, FAO Pacific and WHO.

The project aims to expand surveillance, enhance human and animal health laboratories, improve early warning systems, and build a skilled multisectoral workforce ready to respond when new threats emerge.

The launch also marked the introduction of key national guidelines and plans that reinforce Samoa’s preparedness and health system resilience, including the National Antimicrobial Guidelines 2026, the updated National Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines, and the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan.

The WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, and the WHO Representative to Samoa, Dr Wendy Snowdon, joined national partners during the launch. In his remarks, Dr Piukala highlighted that pandemics do not respect borders or sectors, and that Samoa’s investment in preparedness, alongside strong systems such as infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship and essential surgical care, is critical to protecting lives, communities and the economy.

Congratulations to the Government of Samoa and all partners for this important milestone!

Photos: WHO / Faizza Tanggol

The WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, met with the Samoa United Nations Country Team ...
17/02/2026

The WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, met with the Samoa United Nations Country Team in Apia, led by the UN Resident Coordinator Karla Robin Hershey, to discuss shared priorities across Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau. Discussions focused on coordinated UN action to address climate resilience, noncommunicable diseases, food and nutrition security, and the strengthening of essential services, as reflected in the Country Implementation Plans for 2025–2027.

During the meeting, Dr Saia underscored that partnership is critical in the Pacific, where challenges are interconnected, and solutions must be woven together across sectors. He thanked the resident and non-resident UN agencies in Samoa for their collective efforts, and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to working closely with the UN Country Team to reduce duplication, maximize impact, and support governments through aligned priorities and joint action towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

Photos: WHO / Faizza Tanggol

Samoa 🤝 WHO collaborationDr Saia Ma’u Piukala, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, met with the Prime Min...
16/02/2026

Samoa 🤝 WHO collaboration

Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, met with the Prime Minister, Honourable La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, today to discuss national priorities for strengthening health and wellbeing across Samoa.

The Hon Prime Minister highlighted that health remains a key priority for the Government of Samoa, including efforts to address major health challenges and build resilient, people‑centred health services for communities. Discussions also covered Samoa's planned hosting of the Pacific Health Ministers Meeting in 2027 and the shared commitment to advancing the vision for a healthier, more resilient Pacific.

The Regional Director reaffirmed WHO’s support through technical cooperation and close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the WHO country office in Apia.

The meeting underscored the Government of Samoa's commitment to a healthier society and country, and the vital role of strong partnerships in achieving that shared goal.

Photos: WHO / Faizza Tanggol

Today, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, held his first meeting with Samoa’s new ...
16/02/2026

Today, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, held his first meeting with Samoa’s new Minister of Health, Honourable Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo, in Apia.

The discussion centred on Samoa’s current and longer-term health priorities, including enhancing health security, addressing noncommunicable diseases, and building a resilient health system. The Minister and the Regional Director also exchanged views on preparations for the Pacific Health Ministers Meeting in 2027, as well as Samoa’s participation in WHO regional and global health forums.

This engagement is part of the Regional Director’s official visit to Samoa, his first mission back to the Pacific in 2026. Pacific island nations are a priority for Dr Saia, originally from Tonga himself, and the first WHO Regional Director from the Pacific.

Our island countries may have small populations, but our health challenges and priorities are wide-ranging and complex. As WHO, we seek to leave no one behind – striving to achieve .

Ministry of Health Samoa

Photos: WHO / Faizza Tanggol

This Valentine’s Day, show your heart love, too. ❤️Healthy choices like staying active, eating well, and reducing salt, ...
14/02/2026

This Valentine’s Day, show your heart love, too. ❤️

Healthy choices like staying active, eating well, and reducing salt, to***co and alcohol support long term heart health.

Flu spreads easily, but simple actions can help stop it.Get your flu shot, wash your hands, cover coughs and show care b...
11/02/2026

Flu spreads easily, but simple actions can help stop it.

Get your flu shot, wash your hands, cover coughs and show care by staying home when unwell. Small steps protect you and your loved ones.

As more of us are living in urban areas, we need to ensure we have public spaces where children can play, move and conne...
07/02/2026

As more of us are living in urban areas, we need to ensure we have public spaces where children can play, move and connect.

The new SPACES guide from WHO, UNICEF and UN‑Habitat shows how safer, more inclusive public spaces support children’s health, equity and resilience. It offers practical principles for designing streets, parks, schools, and public facilities and places where children can play, move and thrive.

Learn more ➡️ https://www.who.int/news/item/21-01-2026-new-guide-promotes-safe--inclusive-and-child-friendly-public-spaces

Today, 4 February, is World Cancer Day.Around the world, too many people are diagnosed with cancer too late. But it does...
03/02/2026

Today, 4 February, is World Cancer Day.

Around the world, too many people are diagnosed with cancer too late. But it doesn’t have to be this way. When cancer is detected early, more treatment options are available and survival rates are higher.

Take a moment for your health: get checked, know the warning signs and talk to a health worker if something feels unusual. Early detection protects you and strengthens the well-being of your whole community.

Cheaper sugary drinks and alcohol come at a high cost to health.The growing affordability of these drinks is fuelling no...
02/02/2026

Cheaper sugary drinks and alcohol come at a high cost to health.

The growing affordability of these drinks is fuelling noncommunicable diseases and injuries worldwide. Increasing health taxes is one of the most effective ways to reduce harm and protect communities.

“Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease," said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "By increasing taxes on products like to***co, sugary drinks, and alcohol, governments can reduce harmful consumption and unlock funds for vital health services.”

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that primarily affect people living in tropical ar...
29/01/2026

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that primarily affect people living in tropical areas, especially where access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare is limited.

Some NTDs endemic in the Pacific include lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, yaws, soil-transmitted helminths, leprosy, scabies, and dengue. These diseases might not get enough attention, but they can lead to serious health issues and long-term disability.

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Our Story

Western Samoa was assigned to the Western Pacific Region at the Sixth World Health Assembly held in May 1953 ''without prejudice to any questions regarding sovereignty'' as an area. Western Samoa joined the World Health Organization on 16 May 1962 as a Member State after gaining its independence from New Zealand on 1 January 1962. From 1946 to 1961, Western Samoa was administered by New Zealand under a United Nations Trusteeship Agreement. In July 1997, the Constitution was amended to change the country’s name from Western Samoa to Samoa (officially the “Independent State of Samoa”).

The WHO Representative Office in the South Pacific covered Samoa from 1956 to 1968, the designation of a WHO Country Liaison Office in Apia. On 1 October 1986, the WHO Representative Office in Apia, Samoa was established and covers the American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau.