Health Minister praises Samoan doctors

By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi 14 September 2020, 11:00AM

Health Minister Faimalotoa Kika Stowers has commended the Samoa Medical Association for their work, ensuring the country remains free of COVID-19 which continues to claim thousands of lives around the world.

Faimalotoa gave the keynote address when the S.M.A. membership assembled at the Taumeasina Island Resort to celebrate their 73rd anniversary as well as hold an annual scientific conference, where they focused on the COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response. 

In an ordinary year, the S.M.A. conference would run over several days, but this year they had both the annual general meeting and conference in one afternoon. 

"We are all aware of how [many] countries of the world have been greatly affected by the global pandemic, starting from the beginning of the year, up until now, as this pandemic is one of the most dangerous diseases that have threatened the health and safety of people of the world,” Faimalotoa said in her speech.

"Many lives have been affected and taken away in different countries across the world and in some of our neighboring countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

"Up until now, we still remember how the lives of our people were greatly affected by this pandemic. 

“About 30 per cent of Samoa's population was affected during that time. But we are grateful to God for no one in Samoa has been affected by the virus that has claimed millions of lives across the world. 

"If we look at those who have been greatly affected, some of these countries are the rich countries with resources and have some of the brilliant minds.”


“And not just thousands of lives, but millions of lives affected. Therefore, I want to express my gratitude to your good selves for the marvelous job that you have done and continue to do in the health sector.”

Acknowledging the difficult period that the country is experiencing, Faimalotoa said they will strive to do their best in difficult circumstances. 

"We are all in difficult times and we are uncertain of what will happen next, but we will try our best to do what's best for the safety of our people,” she further emphasised.

"On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government of Samoa, I commend you all for your hard work and service to the people of Samoa.

"All of your hard work and efforts do not go unnoticed. You guys have also lent a hand in trying to bring back citizens of our country, who were stuck in other countries who wanted to return to Samoa, because of the difficult situation in the environment they were in while residing abroad.”

 Faimalotoa then spoke of the risks that frontline health workers continue to be exposed to and how scientists are working around the clock to find a cure.

"God has seen your hard work and He will repay all your efforts and hard work in due times. "The difficult work that our front liners are doing is because this disease is new. And every day, scientists and doctors are still trying to find a cure for this disease.”

Faimalotoa also highlighted the importance of informing the country on what people can do to avoid infection and bringing the virus to Samoa.

"We should all follow the precautions and orders of the state of emergency and should keep up with the updates from the Ministry of Health, so we are aware of what is happening. 

"Our main goal is to the health of this country. However, there is that common phrase we always use, which is your health is in your hands.”

Turning to the doctors and participants attending the meeting, Faimalotoa reminded them of the important role they play in Samoa. 

"The health and safety of this country are in your hands," she highlighted. 

"We believe and trust that you are all well-trained and well-educated and that you can work together to make sure that our people are healthy and free from the virus. 

"We believe you can save our people during these difficult times. 

"Let us continue to pray to God to keep Samoa under his protection so we can be saved and still be free from this pandemic."

By Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi 14 September 2020, 11:00AM

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