A first for Samoa is currently underway in Apia – the Pacific SMILE Conference 2024.
The conference aims to strengthen the capacity for midwifery and maternity simulation teaching in the Pacific and will run for three days. The conference is made possible by the Burnet Institute and Trotula fund.
Officially launched on Tuesday evening at Taumeasina Island Resort, the gathering brings to Samoa midwifery educators from Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Kiribati, together with representatives from Samoa.
Acting Prime Minister Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster, in his keynote address, said Samoa was delighted to have the participants in its beautiful shores, where the spirit of community and hospitality runs deep.
Noting that there was a “palpable energy” in the room and a “shared excitement” for the journey they were ready to embark on together, Faualo remarked,
“The SMILE in the Pacific Conference marks a new chapter. Together, we will equip Pacific educators with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to integrate simulation into every aspect of midwifery training.”
“We hope the Pacific Emergency Maternal and New-born Trainers (PEMNET) and community maternal health providers in Samoa attending this conference will contribute their expertise to this simulation focus and transfer new knowledge to conduct future annual credentialing and emergency training in Samoa.”
According to Faualo, this training will have a ripple effect, raising the standard of care across the Pacific and ensuring future midwives have the tools they need to protect and uplift their communities.
“Together, we will set new standards in clinical simulation and create pathways to ensure every midwifery student enters the field fully prepared to provide high-quality, respectful, and ultimately life-saving care.”
WHAT IS SMILE?
SMILE stands for Simulation in Midwifery Innovation Learning and Education.
Faualo explained that as part of the midwifery curriculum reviews undertaken through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), supported by the United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) transformative agenda work, feedback from midwifery educators recognized the need for strengthening simulation education in the midwifery education institutions in the Pacific.
“With the help of the Trotula fund, midwifery simulation labs across seven (7) Pacific education institutions have been planned, and this conference aims to strengthen the capacity for midwifery and maternity simulation teaching in the Pacific.”
He stressed that in Samoa and across Pacific Island Nations, lives depend on how healthcare professionals are trained. This is why Samoa is honored to host the first-ever SMILE in the Pacific conference.
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SAMOA
Faualo also confirmed during his address that Samoa is the first, through the National University of Samoa (NUS) with support from the United Nations Population Fund, Pacific Sub-Regional Office, to “implement an updated and internationally aligned midwifery curriculum.”
“Simulation-based learning is transforming clinical education. Simulation builds the confidence and competence essential for quality maternal and newborn care by allowing students to practice in a safe, controlled environment.”
For the midwifery students, this means entering real-life clinical settings equipped with the skills to communicate, provide respectful care, manage emergencies, and respond effectively under pressure.
“Simulation is more than just a teaching tool, it’s a lifeline for the people we serve.”
Faualo also highlighted that the partnership between Samoa’s National University and the Burnet Institute, through the support of the UNFPA, has been instrumental in reaching this point.
“For years, the Burnet Institute has stood alongside us, championing midwifery education and supporting our educators in implementing best practices.”
He acknowledged their unwavering commitment to Samoa’s success, noting that the Pacific SMILE project is a testament to this strong, enduring partnership.
“Samoa stands out as a leader in midwifery education in the Pacific.”
The implemented updated midwifery curriculum meets international standards and is a significant achievement, underscoring Samoa’s commitment to advancing maternal and infant health.
“We are proud to announce that we have just graduated our first class of midwives using this new curriculum.”
Faualo concluded that hosting this conference in Samoa is a celebration of leadership and strengthens the dedication to high-quality maternal health services across the region.
