The Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) is seeking to renew its focus on public health and primary health care, amid growing concerns about the global coronavirus. 

The assurance was given by the Assistant Chief Executive Officer of the M.O.H., Quandolita Reid-Enari, who presented to the 12th Annual Health Sector Forum on Friday.

The Director General of M.O.H., Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, was among the presenters and he assured that the Government is doing everything possible to prevent the virus from reaching Samoa. 

The National Emergency Operation Center (N.E.O.C) has been working hard to ensure preventative measures are put in place.

According to Ms. Reid-Enari, the Ministry of Health is all about working towards a healthier Samoa.

"The Ministry of Health's vision is 'A Healthy Samoa' and our mission is to enhance public health and primary health care to provide people -centered health services," she said.

Ms. Reid-Enari said they want to ensure all Samoans have easy access to safe, quality and affordable health services.

Among the Ministry's priorities are:

• reorientation of health services from hospital centered to people through revitalization of primary health care
• reduced mortality rate
• reduced morbidity rate
• reduced incidence of Non-Communicable, Communicable and neglected tropical diseases
• strengthening community engagement and partnership through multi-sectoral approach
• strengthening public health surveillance and monitoring and evaluating the systems

She added that the Government, through the M.O.H. is working hard to strengthen health systems, improve governance, administration, prevention, control and to manage communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The objectives of the Forum on Friday were to discuss public health areas that needed strengthening; introduce the new Health Sector Plan FY2019/20–2029/30 and; revitalize primary health care and strengthen public health through understanding the realignment undertaken for Samoa's health system.

In terms of the progress of the M.O.H. in preparing for the coronavirus (COVID-19), background information distributed at the Forum by the organisers stated that the Ministry's preparations and readiness plans have been put in place. 

Currently, control measures are in place at the Faleolo International Airport and the Matautu wharf to screen incoming passengers, quarantine travellers from affected countries or have not met the requirements and clear or quarantine cargo vessels or crew at the buoy if they did not meet the requirements.