World Health Organization Western Pacific Region

16/02/2026

This Lunar New Year and Ramadan, stay safe from , , or other respiratory illnesses.

Follow these tips to help protect yourself and your loved ones:

🤧Cover coughs and sneezes with a bent elbow or a tissue
🏠Stay home if you feel unwell
💉If travelling, make sure your vaccinations are up to date

16/02/2026

Welcome, Dr Saia, and talofa lava! 🇼🇸🌺

Today in Apia, the staff in the WHO multi-country office in Samoa welcomed the Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, for an open talanoa and staff lunch.

The visit provided an opportunity for colleagues to spend time with the RD, share reflections from across the Pacific, and discuss how we continue to strengthen our collective work in the island countries and areas we support.

Dr Saia, who originally hails from Tonga, is in Samoa as part of an official visit that includes participating in the first PAS Congress and meeting with high-level officials in the government.

In Samoa, WHO provides technical support for preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases, strengthening people‑centred health systems, supporting emergency preparedness and One Health, improving immunization and communicable disease control, and enhancing health data and digital systems to guide better decision‑making.

Thank you, Dr Saia, for your visit!

Photos: WHO / Faizza Tanggol

16/02/2026

PACIFIC-DRIVEN SCIENCE 🌺

Today in Apia, Samoa, leaders, scientists, and partners from across the Region gathered for the Pacific Academy of Sciences (PAS) Inaugural Congress to advance Pacific‑led research, ethical science, and trusted data systems that support healthier, more resilient communities across our islands.

In his keynote address at the Congress this morning, the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, highlighted how Pacific‑driven science, strong ethics, trusted data and people‑centred innovation are essential foundations for achieving and . He also underscored the importance of Pacific solidarity and the region’s growing leadership in shaping global conversations on climate, health and development.

Congratulations to PAS on its inaugural Congress and for championing Pacific-led science!

Photos: WHO / Faizza Tanggol

15/02/2026

Do you know the most common types of cancer in children?

These are:
- leukemias,
- brain tumours,
- lymphomas, and
- solid tumours such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumour.

While childhood cancer is rare, it can happen.
When cancer is found early and treatment begins without delay, a child has a far better chance of surviving and growing up healthy.

14/02/2026

Correct and consistent use of a female or male means you can enjoy s*x while
🤰🏾preventing unintended pregnancy
🛡️preventing HIV and other s*xually transmitted infections.

14/02/2026

. Remember these food safety tips to stay healthy this Lunar New Year:

✅Store meat in the fridge until cooking time.
✅Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water.
✅Do not wash raw meat, as this can spread harmful microorganisms to hands, surfaces, utensils, or other food.
✅Separate raw and cooked food and use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw meat.
✅Cook food, especially meat, thoroughly.
✅Wash hands frequently during food preparation.
✅Eat at restaurants with good hygiene and avoid raw or undercooked food.

13/02/2026

Still haven’t picked out a gift for ? Ditch the sweets and wine!

Here’s a thoughtful guide to help plan for a special day with your loved one (or yourself!) with health in mind! 💌

Show your love through:
👉 healthy meals
👉 moving together
👉 mindful breaks
👉 planning for a healthy future

Have a healthy Valentine’s!

13/02/2026

🗞️Breaking news!!!
Several countries in WHO's Western Pacific Region secure a game-changing investment — $68M collectively — to better prepare for future !

The will support three projects in the Region 🌏:

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Anchored in the Asia Pacific Health Security Action Framework, this project spanning 12 countries will strengthen multi-source surveillance, laboratory capacities and emergency workforce development for smarter, faster and more inclusive pandemic prevention, preparedness and response systems.

𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐓- 𝐋𝐀𝐎: This will strengthen Lao PDR’s pandemic preparedness through a nationally led One Health approach grounded in identified health security priorities - bringing human, animal and environmental health together. It will integrate community engagement and equity to build resilient systems and transform the country’s pandemic preparedness and response architecture into an inclusive, sustainable framework.

𝐏𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐒𝐀𝐏: Also using a One Health approach, the Papua New Guinea project will address critical system gaps to improve early detection, response capability, and long-term resilience against future pandemics and other public health emergencies by investing in surveillance, laboratory systems, workforce capacity, and multisectoral coordination.

Implemented in partnership with beneficiary countries, community-based and civil society organisations, and implementing entities including the Asian Development Bank, Asian Insfrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UNICEF and The World Bank Group, these investments are bridging critical gaps in regional health security.

Born out of the devastating human, economic, and social costs of COVID-19, the Pandemic Fund advances coordinated action for stronger health systems across sectors and borders.

Photo © WHO / Enric Catala

13/02/2026

12/02/2026

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐍𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐡 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐬?
Nipah virus causes a rare but serious illness that can spread from animals (such as bats or pigs) to people, contaminated fruits or fruit products - and sometimes between people.

Outbreaks are usually small and containable.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐡 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐬𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬?
⏱️ Nipah symptoms usually begin within a week - between 3–14 days after exposure.

🔍 Early detection and diagnosis are essential to reduce the risk of death.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟?
🦠 There is currently no specific medicine or vaccine for Nipah virus in people or animals.

⏱️ Early diagnosis and timely supportive care can greatly improve chances of recovery.

Remember: simple everyday actions can help prevent infection!

11/02/2026

Smoking is the number one preventable cause of worldwide.

Did you know it is linked to at least 15 different cancers, not just the lung?

Once you kick this dangerous habit, you drastically reduce your cancer risk.

!

11/02/2026

cases are on the rise. ↗️

It’s one of the most contagious diseases. If one person has it, nearly everyone around them will catch it if not vaccinated.

To protect your child, make sure their vaccines are up to date.