The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Samoa has reached its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of growth from treating just six patients to now serving over 200.
Board members, staff, and General Manager Motoalii Mulipola Roger Hazelman gathered this morning at NKF’s new location in the old pharmacy wing of the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital to commemorate the milestone.
In his remarks, Motoalii reflected on the foundation’s journey, noting that prior to its establishment in 2005, the Government of Samoa spent millions annually for six patients to receive dialysis treatment in New Zealand. These patients were unable to return home while undergoing care.
The end of that arrangement in 2005 led to the creation of NKF Samoa, which began operating with 10 patients on the Moto’otua hospital grounds. Now, in 2025, the foundation works with a $10 million annual budget and provides dialysis services to over 200 local patients, not including those who access services while on holiday or under Ministry of Health care.
Motoalii also shared that many Samoan leaders, including matai and government officials, have benefited from NKF’s services, building a deeper understanding of its importance in saving and prolonging lives.
He acknowledged the challenges faced in the early years, including limited staffing and technical expertise, and thanked partners and donors who contributed to the foundation’s growth.
Acknowledgements
Motoalii expressed gratitude to local and international supporters, including the National Kidney Foundation of Singapore for its technical assistance, and the Auckland District Health Board Renal Services and NZAID, which supported NKF’s initial development.
According to the foundation’s history booklet, the centre was launched on 14 March 2005 during the 6th Meeting of Pacific Island Health Ministers. It was developed as an initiative of the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Health and the Samoa Kidney Foundation Renal Dialysis Task Force, chaired at the time by the late MP and Cabinet Minister Mulitalo Sealiimalietoa Siafausa Vui.
Motoalii also thanked long-serving staff and current employees, as well as ongoing partners in Samoa and abroad.
Policy Statement
A 20th Anniversary Policy Statement was presented, reaffirming NKF’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare, raising awareness, and strengthening partnerships. The foundation’s priorities include:
- Prevention and Early Detection
- Primordial Prevention and At-Risk Populations
- Quality Treatment and Care
- Education, Advocacy, and Behavioural Intelligence
- Capacity Building and Sustainability
- Innovation
“As we look ahead, we do so with renewed faith and confidence in the path forward. We remain steadfast in our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our people, guided by a vision of a healthier Samoa for generations to come,” the statement concluded.
Background
When the centre was established in 2005, Samoa’s Ministry of Health reported that 23% of the population had diabetes and 19% had hypertension, according to its STEPS Survey and 2001 National Strategic Development Plan.
At the time, the cost of treating 10 patients in New Zealand was NZ$1.5 million per year, with costs rising 15–20% annually—not including travel, accommodation, or living expenses.
The Samoa National Kidney Foundation was created in response to this growing burden, with the aim of reducing kidney-related illnesses and providing in-country dialysis and support services for patients with end-stage renal failure.
This article was originally published by Savali Newspaper on its FB page and has been republished with permission.
