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

07/04/2026

Today is World Health Day, with the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.”

Dr Wendy Snowdon, WHO Representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau, shares her reflections on the importance of science and evidence in protecting health across our Pacific communities — especially in a time when misinformation and disinformation can threaten trust and delay access to care. From vaccines and safe water to infection prevention and control, science has helped save lives in the Pacific and worldwide.

Read Dr Snowdon’s opinion editorial to learn how everyone can play a part to and towards 👇🏽

World Health Day is observed globally every 7 April, and is a day to recognize all those who work in health care worldwide and the importance of health for all. This year’s theme is “Together for health. Stand with science,” celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the heal...

06/04/2026

It’s World Health Day, a moment to recognize health workers as ambassadors of science.

Today, let’s meet Daru Heaven Faanimo Isaia, a perioperative nurse at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Samoa 🇼🇸.

In the operating theatre, science guides every aspect of her work, from preparing patients for surgery and supporting the surgical team to monitoring recovery after the operation. As an ambassador of science, Heaven helps turn evidence into action, ensuring safer surgeries and better care for every patient.

05/04/2026

Tomorrow is World Health Day, with the theme “Together for health. Stand with science.”

Health decisions must be guided by evidence. In a world where misinformation and disinformation can spread quickly, it’s more important than ever to turn to trusted, science-based sources.

Science is not abstract. It’s what protects you, your family, and your community every day.

Turn to trusted, science-based sources to:
💠 Protect your health
💠 Prevent disease
💠 Seek treatment and recovery

💙

01/04/2026

📢 ICYMI: Applications for the National Professional Officer (Vaccine Preventable Diseases) position close on 4 April 2026.

This vacancy is open for local recruitment only. Details and application link are in the post below 👇🏽

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.

01/04/2026

Most oral diseases, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers, are preventable. These conditions affect people across the life-course and can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss if left untreated.

Simple daily habits, like brushing with fluoride toothpaste, eating well, limiting sugar, and avoiding to***co and alcohol, can help protect your oral health.

30/03/2026

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.