Samoa and New Zealand have launched the first cohort of the Long-Term Placements Programme, a bilateral initiative aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems, building workforce capability and deepening professional and cultural ties between the two countries.

Under the programme, three health professionals from New Zealand have arrived in Samoa for three-month placements at the national hospital and designated district hospitals. In return, four Samoan registered nurses will travel to New Zealand in July for similar three-month placements as part of the reciprocal exchange initiative.

Speaking at the launch, New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner to Samoa Lavea’i Ioane described the programme as a major milestone in the Samoa–New Zealand partnership, particularly in the health sector. She said the programme was designed in 2020 as one of three interconnected bilateral initiatives supporting Samoa’s health sector.

“It was no easy feat; the past three to four years have been most challenging, particularly in the health space,"said.

She said the programme’s twinning model and governance arrangements were developed through extensive collaboration among stakeholders and expressed hope the initiative would help strengthen primary healthcare in both countries by addressing capacity and capability challenges.

Associate Minister of Health Motupua’a Henry Papali’i, speaking on behalf of the Samoa Ministry of Health and the Government of Samoa, said the programme represents an important investment in Samoa’s healthcare system, particularly in rural and community health services.

“This programme supports the development of a capable and adaptable workforce and reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to delivering quality care for all our people,” Papali’i said.

Papali’i encouraged the New Zealand nurses to embrace the experience with humility and openness while learning from Samoan communities and sharing their expertise.

“This partnership is built on mutual respect and exchange,” he said.

Representatives from South Seas Healthcare and the Secretariat of Le Afioaga o Aotearoa also attended the launch.

The Long-Term Placements Programme is expected to strengthen professional collaboration, cultural understanding and long-term healthcare development between Samoa and New Zealand while supporting sustainable improvements in primary and public healthcare services in both countries.