Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Minister of Health, Hon. Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster, officially opened Samoa’s Health Week 2024 during a ceremony in Satupa’itea, Savai’i. The week-long program, running from 25 to 29 November, focuses on promoting wellness and tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across Samoa.
Hon. Schuster spoke of the urgency of addressing Samoa’s health challenges, referencing alarming statistics:
“In 2013, research revealed that over 85% of Samoan adults were overweight, with 63% classified as severely obese. Additionally, 50% of adults had elevated blood sugar levels. By 2018, Samoa ranked fourth out of 21 Pacific nations for diabetes-related deaths, alongside high mortality rates from heart disease and cancer.”
The PEN Fa’asamoa program, supported by the World Bank, New Zealand, Australia, and the World Health Organisation, focuses on empowering local committees, particularly women, to lead health monitoring efforts in their villages. The initiative includes regular health screenings, education on proper nutrition, and guidance on physical activity.
Hon. Schuster urged participants to take ownership of their health:
“Protecting your health begins with you. Use the opportunities provided by this program to ensure early detection and prevention. Together, we can reduce the high rates of illness and premature deaths in our communities.”
The event also highlighted the importance of medication adherence and maintaining hygiene practices to prevent disease transmission.
Health Week 2024 integrates the PEN Fa’asamoa activities with a campaign to promote the proper use of medications and vaccines, aiming to deliver holistic and accessible healthcare solutions for Samoan families.
