The new Minister for Health Valasi Tafito Selesele has paid a courtesy visit to the World Health Organisation’s country office headed by Representative Dr Baoping Yang.

The meeting between Valasi and Dr Yang was the first with the incoming Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Government.

Discussions between the new Minister and the United Nations body focused on health interventions supported by the WHO as well as collaboration.

Dr Yang said the meeting between him and his staff and the new Minister was fruitful as they also got to discuss matters relating to health services improvement. 

“We are here to congratulate the Honorable Minister and also share our collaborations for the improving health of Samoa,” he said.

“So we have good discussions and we have some important areas that we need to focus on first. 

“We really need to speed up and expand the COVID-19 vaccinations and try to improve the coverage and the service in the whole country.

“And make sure we cover everyone and no one is left behind as soon as possible. We want to achieve our objectives and get a result.” 

In an interview with the Samoa Observer, the Minister said there is an ongoing partnership between the Ministry of Health ahd W.H.O. in Samoa. 

“We meet up today as their request to come and visit, get along and to build good relationships to improve the service for the people of Samoa,” he said. 

“Our meeting also involves some key factors that we need to focus on first, for example the vaccination and the rotavirus prevention, and other objectives that we need to put first.”

Valasi said they are also planning a trip to visit all national hospitals including the hospital in Savai’i to hear of the challenges that the staff are facing.

“After Savai’i next week we will continue to all the hospitals in Upolu and conclude our visitation at Motootua Hospital so I invite Dr Baoping Yang to join me with the C.E.O. for that visitation next week,” he said.

“I also acknowledge the work of the W.H.O. in Samoa for the past few years as they are always here for us, and we continue to serve together to keep our people safe from the pandemic and to encourage our people to adhere to health advice for the good health of our country.”