WHO Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau

31/03/2026

Today, the Ministry of Health Samoa is leading a three-day National Notifiable Disease List Review and Zoonotic Disease Prioritization multisectoral workshop, bringing together representatives from human health, animal health, environmental sectors, and key partners. The workshop aims to strengthen Samoa’s disease surveillance and early warning systems through a approach, and is being conducted with technical support from the World Health Organization and with funding support from the Asian Development Bank.

Opening the workshop, Acting Deputy Director General for Public Health, Leatigaga Siufaga Simi, highlighted the critical role of surveillance in protecting population health during her welcome remarks. “Effective disease surveillance is a fundamental public health function and a key responsibility of the Ministry of Health,” she said. “This workshop provides an important opportunity to ensure that our national surveillance system remains responsive, practical, and aligned with Samoa’s context, while also meeting our obligations under the International Health Regulations (2005).” She also emphasized the importance of collaboration across sectors, noting that many emerging and re-emerging health threats arise at the interface between humans, animals, and the environment.

Prioritizing a national notifiable disease list helps ensure that surveillance systems remain relevant as disease risks evolve. By reviewing and updating the National Notifiable Disease List and identifying priority zoonotic diseases, Samoa is strengthening its ability to detect health threats early, guide timely public health action, and make strategic use of resources to safeguard the health and well-being of its people.

Photos: WHO / Faizza Tanggol

30/03/2026

Did you know? Up to 4 in 10 cancer cases could be prevented.

Nearly half of preventable cancers worldwide are lung, stomach, and cervical cancers. These are strongly linked to avoidable risks such as smoking, air pollution, certain infections, and human papillomavirus (HPV).

There are clear actions that can be taken to reduce cancer risk. These include strong to***co control measures and alcohol regulation, vaccination against cancer‑causing infections such as HPV and hepatitis B, improved air quality, safer workplaces, and healthier food and physical activity environments.

Reducing these risks and expanding access to prevention measures can help prevent many cancers before they start.

28/03/2026

While alcohol marketing often presents drinking as fun, glamorous, and normal – they ignore the harms.

Children and young people are regularly exposed to alcohol advertising, long before they are able to understand the risks. This exposure can influence attitudes toward drinking and increase the likelihood of early alcohol use.

Protecting children and young people from alcohol related harm includes reducing their exposure to alcohol marketing and creating environments that support healthy choices.

27/03/2026

Last week, the Niue Health Department led the process of completing Niue’s State Party Self‑Assessment Annual Reporting (SPAR), a crucial process under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) that helps countries regularly evaluate and strengthen their health emergency preparedness and response capacities.

SPAR provides an opportunity for countries to assess their capacities across the 15 core areas of the IHR required to detect, assess, notify, report and respond to public health events. The process encourages reflection on national systems, coordination mechanisms, and multisectoral readiness, helping identify strengths, gaps, and priority actions for improvement.

Niue has consistently participated in the SPAR process to guide its efforts to strengthen health security. As part of its ongoing support to Member States, WHO joined the team in Niue this year to support the validation and completion of the SPAR, including through structured consultations and multisectoral discussions aligned with national priorities. This year’s process improved shared understanding of IHR capacities across sectors and identified clear priority actions to guide ongoing health security strengthening in Niue.

Photos: Niue Health Department/Ashleigh Pihigia and WHO/Lepaitai Blanche Hansell

24/03/2026

Passionate about public health? The WHO multi-country office in Samoa is seeking a National Professional Officer (NO-C) for vaccine-preventable diseases. Scan the QR code or visit https://bit.ly/474ruNj to apply. The deadline for applications is 4 April 2026.

23/03/2026

Today, 24 March, is World TB Day.

Globally, tuberculosis (TB) remains the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent and is among the top 10 causes of death.

TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It spreads through the air when a person with TB coughs or sneezes.

The good news is that TB is preventable and curable. Early diagnosis and completing the full course of treatment are essential for recovery and to prevent further spread.

20/03/2026

Every move counts!

Whether walking, running, cycling, dancing, gardening, or playing with friends, it all adds up. Being physically active supports both physical and mental well-being at every age.

This weekend, find ways to move that feel good for you and fit into your day.

17/03/2026

E‑cigarettes are harmful to health.

Many e‑cigarettes contain ni****ne, which is highly addictive and can affect how young people’s brains develop. Using e‑cigarettes can also increase the likelihood of becoming addicted to ni****ne and later using other to***co products.

E‑cigarettes are not a proven way to quit smoking. Instead, safer, proven ways to stop smoking include counselling, quitline services, and ni****ne replacement therapy.

Say ! 🚭

11/03/2026

Dengue and flu can start with similar symptoms like fever, tiredness, and body aches, but there are important differences.

Flu often comes with a cough, sore throat, and a runny nose. Dengue is more likely to cause severe body pain and a rash, but it does not come with a cough.

If you are unsure, do not guess. Talk to a health worker, especially if symptoms worsen.

07/03/2026

It’s International Women’s Day!

Today, we celebrate all the women working to improve health care services and working towards .

Across the Pacific, women are leaders, community workers, and experts working across all parts of the health system. They are providing their expertise and perspectives to regional and global health discussions. Their voices help shape priorities, standards, and actions that strengthen health systems and enhance access to quality care for women, girls and the whole community.

Women’s leadership is essential to turn rights into reality and action into impact.

06/03/2026

Pacific young people are shaping a healthier future!

The United Nations is inviting Pacific youth aged 16–24 to take part in the Healthy Youth, Healthy Future video contest. Make a short video Reel showing what you do for your physical and mental health. The deadline for video submissions has been extended until 31 March.

Find out more and get involved 👇🏽

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂: 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓! 🌏🌊🌺

🎥 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 & 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭: “𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡, 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞” 🌟
🗓️ 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: 𝟏𝟓 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡

Are you between 𝟏𝟔–𝟐𝟒 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐥𝐝? Show us what you do for your health and inspire others across the Pacific!

Create a 𝟑𝟎–𝟗𝟎 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 (𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐥) sharing your version of healthy living — whether it’s:
🥗 Healthy eating
🏃‍♀️ Physical activity
🧠 Mental wellbeing
🚭 Saying no to to***co & va**ng
🍃 Avoiding harmful substances
🩺 HIV prevention
💧 Small daily habits that keep you strong

Your health, your story, your voice. 💙

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧:
1. Upload your video as a 𝐑𝐞𝐞𝐥 on Facebook and/or Instagram
𝐓𝐚𝐠 one of the UN Pacific accounts:
UN in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu & Vanuatu
UN in Samoa
UN Multi Country Office in Micronesia

2. Use the hashtag #𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
(The more videos shared, the bigger the impact!)

🎁 𝐖𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐬:
• Gardening kits
• Sports & fitness packs
• Healthy lifestyle bundles (water bottles, journals, totes)
• Official UN certificate

Your video featured on UN Pacific channels and in the regional campaign video! 🎬

𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐣𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧:
✨ Creativity of the video
✨ Clear message
✨ Inspirational authenticity
✨ Positive health vibes

𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥, 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬.
𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜. 🌊💪



Submission guidelines: this contest is open for youth aged 16-24 years old from the following Pacific countries: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Disclaimer:
By submitting a video/using the hashtag you give permission for the UN and its agencies in the Pacific to repost your content or excerpts from it, when related to the Healthy Youth, Healthy Future' campaign.

05/03/2026

Dengue is a viral disease spread by mosquitoes 🦟 that often bite during the day.

Protect yourself and your family by:
✅ Using mosquito repellent
✅ Wearing long‑sleeved clothing
✅ Sleeping under a mosquito net
✅ Regularly emptying or covering water containers around your home where mosquitoes can breed

Reducing mosquito bites and removing breeding sites are key to preventing dengue and protecting your family and community.