Samoa’s Acting Prime Minister, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with the United Nations Population Fund to strengthen health services, population planning and inclusive development.
Mulipola delivered the remarks during a dinner reception at the Sheraton Samoa Hotel on Tuesday, held in honour of UNFPA Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Dr Aleksandar Sasha Bodiroza, and his delegation.
She said the visit reflected the strong and enduring partnership between Samoa and UNFPA, built on shared values and a commitment to improving the wellbeing of Samoa’s people.
The Acting Prime Minister said UNFPA’s work supported Samoa’s goal of becoming a healthy, educated, resilient and inclusive nation under the Pathway for the Development of Samoa.
She said achieving Samoa’s development priorities required reliable data, effective institutions, strong partnerships and development assistance that was coordinated with the Government’s national priorities.
“UNFPA is a trusted partner contributing not only to health outcomes, but also to Samoa’s broader social, economic and human development aspirations,” Mulipola said.
She acknowledged UNFPA’s support for maternal and reproductive health, family life education, the prevention of gender-based violence, health workforce development and evidence-based government decision-making.
Mulipola said UNFPA had also played an important role in strengthening Samoa’s demographic and population data, which helped the Government plan services, prepare budgets and direct resources towards communities most in need.
The organisation’s work with young people and the health sector was also recognised, with the Acting Prime Minister saying investment in youth health, education and wellbeing would help Samoa build the skills and resilience needed to achieve its national development goals.
She said Samoa continued to face challenges as a Small Island Developing State, including climate change, economic shocks, population changes and pressure on government finances.
Addressing those challenges would require coordinated action between the Government, development partners and local communities, she said.
Mulipola also acknowledged the handover of equipment during the UNFPA delegation’s visit, describing it as a practical demonstration of development assistance responding directly to Samoa’s needs.
“The handover of equipment during this visit is a tangible demonstration of partnership in action,” she said.
“It reflects development assistance that is responsive to Samoa’s needs, strengthens our institutions and services, and contributes directly to national development priorities.”
The Acting Prime Minister thanked Dr Bodiroza and acknowledged the work of the UNFPA team in Samoa, led by Tuliau Sara Faleto’ese Su’a.
She said Samoa looked forward to continuing its collaboration with UNFPA as the country worked towards a healthier, more resilient, inclusive and prosperous future.
Mulipola concluded the reception with a toast to the enduring partnership between Samoa and UNFPA and to a future in which every Samoan had the opportunity to thrive.
This article is based on remarks delivered by Acting Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o at a dinner reception honouring UNFPA Regional Director Dr Aleksandar Sasha Bodiroza and his delegation at the Sheraton Samoa Hotel on 21 July 2026.
