Apia, Samoa – The Ministry of Health received a new vaccine van today as part of ongoing efforts to improve vaccine distribution across Samoa. The van, funded by the Australian Government, is expected to enhance the speed and efficiency of vaccine delivery to healthcare facilities around the country.
During the official handover ceremony at the Pharmaceutical Warehouse in Moto’otua, the Minister of Health noted the significant progress Samoa has made in reaching eligible children under the National Immunisation Schedule.
“We’ve seen successful rollouts of four lifesaving childhood vaccines in the last three years, including the Rotavirus, Pneumococcal, HPV, and Typhoid vaccines,” the Minister said. “These vaccines protect our children from diarrhoea, pneumonia, cervical cancer, and typhoid fever.”
The Minister also highlighted the improvements in measles vaccination coverage, with 91% of eligible children receiving the first dose for the first time in five years. The coverage for the second dose is currently at 64%.
“We are confident our Immunisation Program team will reach the remaining children before the year’s end, ensuring we maintain this positive trajectory,” the Minister added.
The new vaccine van is a key part of the post-measles outbreak recovery plan and aims to address the gaps in transportation identified by the Ministry. According to the Minister, the van will help ensure a faster and more efficient supply of vaccines and other medical supplies to facilities nationwide.
“With this new vehicle, procured with funding from the Australian Government, the transportation of vaccines will be faster, boosting the timely supply of vaccines to our healthcare facilities,” the Minister said. “It will also help protect the vaccines from unfavourable weather conditions, improving the reliability and cost-efficiency of our distribution system.”
The Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, H.E. Will Robinson, and UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Samoa, Ms. Khin Moe Aye, were also present at the event, with both organisations commended for their ongoing support.
The Minister expressed gratitude to the Australian Government and UNICEF for their continued assistance in strengthening Samoa’s health system.
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