Regional Director’s return to Samoa centres on science and collaboration for health

During the mission, the Regional Director met with the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, and the Minister of Health, Honourable Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo, reaffirming WHO’s longstanding collaboration with the Government of Samoa.

^{The Regional Director meets with the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honourable La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt. Photo: WHO / Faizza Tanggol}

Discussions centred on shared priorities, including health system resilience, noncommunicable disease prevention, and preparedness for future health threats. The meetings also highlighted Samoa as a key contributor to regional health cooperation, as it is scheduled to host the Pacific Health Ministers Meeting in 2027.

During these meetings, Dr Piukala shared with the Prime Minister and the Health Minister the regional vision of ‘Weaving health for all’ and stressed the importance of collaboration across sectors, institutions, and levels of leadership.

“No single strand can carry the weight alone,” he noted. “It is only when we weave our efforts together that we create something strong enough to protect our people.”

^{Dr Piukala with the Health Minister Honourable Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo. Photo: WHO / Faizza Tanggol}

Weaving One Health for a safer future

A significant moment of the Regional Director’s visit was the launch of Samoa’s One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project, funded by the Pandemic Fund and implemented by the Government of Samoa in partnership with the World Bank, the World Health Organization, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The project aims to strengthen Samoa’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to public health threats by improving surveillance, laboratory systems, and workforce readiness. It leverages a whole‑of‑government approach, bringing health, agriculture, and environment together to address shared risks. Speaking at the event, Dr Piukala drew on a familiar Pacific metaphor to describe the One Health approach.

“One Health is like weaving a fala,” he said. “Human health, animal health, and environmental health are the strands. When they are woven tightly with care and purpose, they become strong enough to carry generations.”

^{Key partners during the launch of the One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project. Photo: WHO / Faizza Tanggol}

The event also marked the introduction of several key national plans and guidelines that reinforce the foundations of Samoa’s health system. These included the National Antimicrobial Guidelines, the updated National Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines, and the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan, each strengthening quality, preparedness, and resilience across the health system.

Strengthening collaboration across the UN and WHO

During the visit, Dr Piukala met with members of the Samoa United Nations Country Team to discuss shared priorities and collective action across the multi‑country context of Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau. The discussion covered evolving challenges facing Pacific nations, including climate change, noncommunicable diseases, food and nutrition insecurity, and widening inequities, as well as the significance of coordinated, multisectoral responses. He noted the important progress made through the Country Implementation Plans for 2025–2027 and spoke about the need for strong coordination and joint action to maximize impact at the country level.

“Working together matters more than ever,” Dr Piukala said. “Your progress through the Country Implementation Plans shows what can be achieved when we stand unified.”

^{The Samoa UN Country Team. Photo: WHO / Faizza Tanggol}

He also spent time with staff from the WHO multi-country office in Samoa for an open talanoa over a shared lunch, creating space for candid conversations and reflections. The discussion touched on the changing global operating environment for WHO and the importance of working with focus, discipline, and collaboration, while keeping country needs at the centre of decision-making. Dr Piukala thanked staff for their commitment across the Pacific countries and areas they support and reinforced the importance of a country-first approach.

^{WHO multi-country office team photo with the Regional Director. Photo: WHO / Faizza Tanggol}

Investing in Samoa’s future health workforce

The Regional Director concluded his visit at the National University of Samoa (NUS), where he met with the Head of the School of Medicine, Dr Taralina Gae’e-Atefi, and the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Science, Dr Alovale Sau, alongside faculty and students from the School of Medicine. The visit focused on the role of higher education in building the health workforce in Samoa and the wider Pacific.

“Health systems rise or fall on the strength of their people,” Dr Piukala said during a brief address. “A resilient, compassionate, and committed health workforce is the most important investment any country can make.”

He emphasized WHO’s continued commitment to supporting the University through partnerships, technical support, and training opportunities. Dr Piukala also shared reflections from his own journey as a medical student from Tonga, encouraging students at the School of Medicine to remain grounded in service, culture, and community as they prepare to become Samoa’s next generation of health professionals. 

“If a barefoot boy from a small island in Tonga can stand here today, then each of you can go even further. Dream big. Work hard. Stay grounded,” he said to the students. “Never forget where you come from because your roots will keep you steady when the journey becomes difficult.”

^{WHO, along with the leadership, faculty, and students at the NUS School of Medicine. Photo: WHO / Faizza Tanggol}