AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care Leadership: Alaimoana Leilani Jackson has returned to lead the Samoa Cancer Society as CEO, pledging stronger awareness, village outreach, and patient support. Health System Updates: Samoa’s Ministry of Health says an old photo showing a wooden pole as an IV stand does not reflect current Emergency Department practices, after verification and an on-site inspection. Hospital Access: The government plans to reopen Leulumoega District Hospital after a World Bank safety review, aiming to serve nearby Upolu and Savai‘i communities with surgeries, outpatients and emergency care. Public Health Targets: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to reduce non-communicable diseases by 5% from 2026/27–2030/31, with diabetes and hypertension highlighted. Fire Safety Alert: SFESA warns of heightened fire risk from dry, windy El Niño conditions, urging people to stop burning waste and take precautions to protect homes and family land. Road Safety Concern: A Father’s Day accident at Faleula Uta involving a 19-year-old and her aunt has raised calls for faster, clearer police updates during incidents. Ocean & Wellness: Pristine Seas brings a Samoa-focused marine survey using deep-sea cameras and local partnerships to protect ocean health and support food and livelihoods. Regional Governance & Sport: Fiji formally joins the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, while Samoa’s former PM Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa calls for official platforms for citizens and NGOs to help shape Pacific progress.

Emergency Care Clarity: Samoa’s Ministry of Health says a viral photo showing a wooden pole used as an IV stand in the Emergency Department is old and taken in the POP room during the measles epidemic, with the ED since upgraded. Hospital Access: The government plans to reopen Leulumoega District Hospital after a cabinet assessment, citing safety concerns that were previously raised and the need to serve nearby villages and patients closer to home. Fire Safety Alert: SFESA warns of serious fire risk from dry, windy El Niño conditions, urging people to stop burning rubbish, avoid cigarette litter in bush areas, and never leave cooking unattended. Cancer Leadership: Alaimoana Leilani Jackson returns as CEO of the Samoa Cancer Society, focusing on awareness, village outreach, partnerships, and earlier doctor visits when “abnormal” health signs appear. NCD Focus: Samoa’s development pathway sets a goal to reduce non-communicable diseases by 5%, tracking diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and obesity using health system data. Road Safety & Reporting: A Faleula Uta car crash involving a 19-year-old and her aunt highlights calls for better real-time public updates from police. Ocean Health Research: Pristine Seas brings a Samoa MPA network survey team to run deep-sea dives and seabird checks, built around local knowledge and partnerships. Local Research Innovation: USP research on ant-plant farming could support sustainable agriculture and natural medicine across Samoa and the Pacific. Community Health Data Equity: Two students win the Don T. Nakanishi Award for work on health and data equity in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.

Fire Safety Alert: SFESA is urging Samoa to brace for serious fire risk as dry, windy El Niño conditions keep soil, grass and forests dangerously flammable, after a bushfire in Savai‘i near Samalae‘ulu and Puapua was hard to reach and could flare up again. Cancer Care Leadership: Alaimoana Leilani Jackson has returned as CEO of the Samoa Cancer Society, pledging stronger awareness, partnerships and village-level outreach to help people notice “abnormal” health changes earlier. NCD Focus: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5 per cent, with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, overweight and obesity tracked through the Ministry of Health’s systems. Hospital Updates: The government plans to reopen Leulumoega District Hospital after an assessment found the earlier closure was tied to safety concerns, while the Ministry of Health also clarified an old photo of an IV stand in the Emergency Department that does not reflect current practice. Research & Ocean Health: Pristine Seas’ Samoa expedition is bringing local partners for deep-sea surveys and camera work to support marine protection, while USP research highlights ant-plant farming science that could inspire sustainable agriculture and natural medicine. Road Safety Concern: A Faleula Uta car accident involving a 19-year-old and her aunt has raised calls for better real-time public updates from police.

Fire Safety Alert: SFESA is urging people in Samoa to brace for serious fire risk as dry, windy conditions linked to El Niño keep soil, grass and forests dangerously dry. A bushfire in Savai‘i near Samalae‘ulu and Puapua was put out, but officials warn it could restart in the heat and wind. SFESA says to stop burning rubbish, avoid cigarette butts in bush and roadside areas, and never leave cooking unattended. Cancer Leadership: Alaimoana Leilani Jackson has returned as CEO of the Samoa Cancer Society, promising stronger awareness, village outreach, and partnerships to help people notice health changes earlier and get to doctors sooner. NCD Focus: Samoa’s development pathway sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5%, with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and overweight/obesity tracked through health systems and baseline figures. Hospital Updates: The Government plans to reopen Leulumoega District Hospital after an assessment, while the Ministry of Health also clarified that an old photo showing a wooden pole as an IV stand does not reflect current Emergency Department practices. Road Safety Call: A Faleula Uta car accident involving a 19-year-old and her aunt has highlighted the need for faster, clearer public updates on road incidents.

Fire Safety Alert: SFESA is urging people in Samoa to brace for serious fire risk as dry, windy conditions linked to El Niño keep soil, grass, vegetation and forests highly flammable; a recent bushfire on Savai‘i near Samalae‘ulu and Puapua was put out, but officials warn it could flare up again, and residents are told to stop burning rubbish, avoid roadside cigarette butts, and never leave cooking unattended. Cancer Care Leadership: Alaimoana Leilani Jackson has returned as CEO of the Samoa Cancer Society, pledging stronger awareness, partnerships and patient support, with plans for deeper village and church outreach. NCD Focus: Government targets a 5% reduction in non-communicable diseases under its Pathway for the Development of Samoa, with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, overweight and obesity tracked through health systems and sector reviews. Hospital Access: The Samoa Government plans to reopen Leulumoega District Hospital after assessment, citing safety concerns previously raised by the World Bank and the need to serve communities across A‘ana and nearby areas. Health System Clarity: Samoa’s Ministry of Health says an old photo showing a wooden pole used as an IV stand in the Emergency Department is outdated and from a different room during earlier crisis conditions; the ED has since been upgraded. Road Safety Concern: A Father’s Day accident at Faleula Uta involving a 19-year-old woman and her aunt has raised calls for better real-time public updates on road incidents. Ocean Health & Research: Pristine Seas’ expedition lands in Samoa for an MPA network survey using deep-sea cameras, submersible dives and seabird monitoring, with local partners central to the work. Precision Medicine (Pacific Inclusion): An Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia highlights the promise of personalised medicine while warning Māori and Pacific communities must be included from the start to avoid widening health inequities. Women, Girls & Climate Resilience: Pacific voices at CSW66 call for women and girls to be at the centre of climate action and disaster risk reduction, linking resilience to community safety and wellbeing.

Cancer Care Leadership: Alaimoana Leilani Jackson has returned as CEO of the Samoa Cancer Society, pledging stronger awareness, partnerships and patient support through village, church and community outreach. NCD Targets: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5%, with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and overweight/obesity tracked via the Health Ministry’s systems. Hospital Access: The Government says it will reopen Leulumoega District Hospital after assessments, citing safety concerns from earlier inspections and the need to serve nearby communities and patients. Emergency Department Clarity: Samoa’s Ministry of Health responded to an old photo circulating online showing a wooden pole used as an IV stand, saying it was taken years ago during the measles epidemic and the ED has since been upgraded. Road Safety & Care: A Faleula Uta car crash involving a 19-year-old and her aunt highlighted calls for faster, clearer public updates after police did not immediately release details. Ocean Health & Research: Pristine Seas’ expedition lands in Samoa for an MPA network survey using deep-sea cameras, submersible dives and local partnerships to protect marine life. Precision Medicine (Pacific Focus): An Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia urged that Māori and Pacific communities must be included from the start so personalised medicine doesn’t widen health gaps. Local Science for Wellness: USP research on ant-plant farming in the Pacific could support sustainable agriculture and natural medicine, while warning invasive ants may disrupt the system.

Cancer Care Leadership: Alaimoana Leilani Jackson has returned as CEO of the Samoa Cancer Society, pledging stronger awareness, partnerships and patient support, with plans for expanded village and church outreach. NCD Focus: Samoa’s Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5%, tracking diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and overweight/obesity through health data systems. Hospital Updates: The Government says it will reopen Leulumoega District Hospital after an assessment, citing safety concerns from a World Bank inspection and the need to serve nearby communities. Public Health Clarity: Samoa’s Ministry of Health corrected a viral Emergency Department photo, saying the IV stand image was taken years ago in an older POP room that has since been upgraded. Road Safety Concern: A 19-year-old and her aunt were injured in a Faleula Uta car accident during Father’s Day, with police not immediately releasing details and calls growing for faster public updates. Ocean & Wellness Link: Pristine Seas and National Geographic are set to survey Samoa’s new marine protected areas, supporting ocean stewardship that protects food and community wellbeing. Precision Medicine: An Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia urged that Māori and Pacific communities must be included from the start as personalised medicine grows. Early Childhood Support: Samoa is preparing Child Wellbeing Benefits, including a $200 newborn bonus and $100 monthly support for eligible children up to 35 months, with registration opening in September. Research for Agriculture: USP researchers are studying ant-plant farming in Fiji, exploring antibiotic-producing microbes that could inspire sustainable agriculture and natural medicine across the Pacific.

Legal & Public Safety: Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi was charged over alleged defamation and harassment via electronic communication after comments made at a Thursday press conference; he was released on bail the same day, with the case building on an earlier court order restricting his social media remarks. Health Leadership: Alaimoana Leilani Jackson has returned as CEO of the Samoa Cancer Society, focusing on awareness, partnerships, and stronger patient support through village, church, and community outreach. Cancer & Primary Care: A new GP registrar training appointment is underway in rural practice, aiming to strengthen access to primary healthcare in under-serviced areas. Hospital Services: Government says Leulumoega District Hospital will reopen after a cabinet assessment, citing safety concerns from a World Bank inspection and the need to serve nearby communities and patients. Hospital Image Clarification: Samoa’s Ministry of Health says an old photo showing a wooden pole as an IV stand was taken years ago during the measles epidemic in an upgraded ED room, and does not reflect current practices. Road Safety & Injury: A teenage girl was injured in a Faleula Uta car accident during Father’s Day; police faced criticism for not sharing timely updates while families sought privacy about conditions. NCD Focus: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to reduce non-communicable diseases by 5%, tracking diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and obesity. Ocean & Wellness: Pristine Seas and National Geographic begin Samoa surveys to support new marine protection goals, linking healthy oceans to food security and local livelihoods. Child Wellbeing Benefits: Families can soon apply for a Child Wellbeing Benefits programme, including a $200 newborn bonus and $100 monthly support for eligible children up to 35 months. Climate & Gender: Pacific leaders urged stronger recognition of women and girls in climate resilience at CSW66, calling for urgent emissions cuts and safer, more resilient communities. Precision Medicine: An Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia highlighted personalised medicine’s promise while warning that Māori and Pacific communities must be included from the start to avoid widening health gaps.

Cancer Care Leadership: Alaimoana Leilani Jackson has returned as CEO of the Samoa Cancer Society, pledging stronger awareness, partnerships and patient support, with plans for deeper village and church outreach. NCD Targets: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5% from 2026/27–2030/31, with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, overweight and obesity tracked through the Health Ministry’s systems. Hospital Access: The Government says it will reopen Leulumoega District Hospital after a cabinet assessment, citing safety concerns that were previously raised and the need to serve nearby communities and emergency, outpatient and surgery demand. Emergency Department Concern Clarified: The Ministry of Health pushed back on a Samoa Observer photo showing a wooden pole used as an IV stand, saying it was taken years ago in an upgraded POP room and doesn’t reflect current ED practices. Child Wellbeing Benefits: Families can soon apply for a Child Wellbeing Benefits programme, including a $200 Newborn Bonus and $100 monthly support for eligible children from birth to 35 months, with registration opening in September. Ocean Health & Research: Pristine Seas and scientists are surveying Samoa’s new marine protected areas to build a biodiversity baseline supporting the country’s plan to protect 30% of its ocean. Road Safety & Public Updates: A Faleula Uta car crash involving a 19-year-old and her aunt has raised calls for better real-time public communication on road safety after police delays in sharing details.

Hospital Access & Safety: Samoa’s Government says it will reopen Leulumoega District Hospital after a cabinet visit and an assessment, citing safety concerns raised by a World Bank inspection and the need to serve communities in A‘ana and nearby islands. Health System Transparency: The Ministry of Health pushed back on an old Emergency Department photo showing a wooden pole used as an IV stand, saying it was taken years ago during the measles epidemic in an upgraded POP room and doesn’t reflect current ED practices. Non-Communicable Disease Focus: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and overweight/obesity prevalence by 5% by 2030/31, with monitoring through the Patient Information System and health reviews. Child & Family Support: A new Child Wellbeing Benefits programme is set to roll out, including a $200 Newborn Bonus and $100 monthly support for eligible children from birth to 35 months, with registration opening in September. Ocean Health & Wellness: Pristine Seas and scientists are surveying Samoa’s newly protected marine areas to support the country’s plan to protect 30% of its ocean, with findings meant to guide sustainable management and protect food and livelihoods. Road Safety & Injury: A Faleula Uta car crash involving a 19-year-old and her aunt has raised calls for faster public updates, with police not releasing details immediately after the incident.

Emergency Care Update: Samoa’s Ministry of Health says a circulating photo showing a wooden pole used as an IV stand in the Emergency Department is outdated, taken years ago in the POP room before upgrades. Road Safety & Injuries: A 19-year-old woman and her aunt were hurt in a Faleula Uta car accident on Father’s Day; police have faced criticism for not sharing timely public updates, while FESA transported only the teenager to hospital. NCD Focus: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a target to cut non-communicable diseases by 5%, with diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and obesity tracked from 2023 baseline figures. Ocean Health & Food Security: Pristine Seas and scientists are surveying Samoa’s new marine protected areas to support the goal of protecting 30% of ocean, using underwater cameras and other methods to build a biodiversity baseline. Drug-Free Samoa Initiative: A national working group has moved from planning into action to coordinate prevention of drug-related harm among children and adolescents, with the Ministry of Health central to mental health, treatment, and recovery links. Precision Medicine for Pacific Peoples: An Indigenous precision medicine symposium in Apia highlights personalized care potential while warning that Māori and Pacific communities must be included from the start to avoid widening health gaps. Child Support Rollout: Families can soon apply for the Child Wellbeing Benefits programme, including a $200 newborn bonus and $100 monthly support for eligible children up to 35 months, with registration opening in September.

Road Safety & Emergency Care: A 19-year-old woman and her aunt were injured in a Faleula Uta car accident on Monday (Father’s Day). Eyewitnesses say a family dispute may have led to the driver shifting into drive instead of reverse, striking them around 3 p.m. Only the teenager was taken by FESA to Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital; police have not shared full updates, raising concerns about real-time public communication. NCD Focus: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5%, tracking diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and overweight/obesity, with baseline figures and monitoring through the Ministry of Health. Ocean & Nutrition Security: Pristine Seas’ research expedition is surveying Samoa’s new marine protected areas to build a biodiversity baseline that supports long-term ocean stewardship—key for food supplies and community wellbeing. Precision Medicine & Equity: An Indigenous precision medicine symposium in Apia highlights personalised healthcare potential, while warning that Māori and Pacific communities must be included early to avoid widening health gaps. Early Childhood Support: The Child Wellbeing Benefits programme is moving toward rollout, with a $200 newborn bonus and $100 monthly support for eligible children up to 35 months; registration opens in September. Drug-Free Samoa Initiative: Samoa’s National Working Group has begun planning a coordinated drug-prevention response focused on children, mental health, family support, and treatment pathways. Public Health Reminder: A commentary on scabies stresses it’s more than an itchy rash, linking it to serious skin infections and broader health risks. Community Safety: A separate report notes a tragic drowning in Utah (not Samoa), underscoring the need for water safety and rapid emergency response.

Ocean Health & Food Security: Pristine Seas’ Argo expedition is set to survey Samoa’s newly protected marine areas using SCUBA checks, deep-sea cameras, seabird counts, deep-ocean sampling, and environmental DNA—aimed at building a science baseline to support Samoa’s plan to protect 30% of its ocean. NCD Targets: Samoa’s second Pathway for Development sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5% (including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, overweight and obesity), with monitoring led through the Ministry of Health’s systems. Child Support Rollout: Samoa is moving ahead with the Child Well-Being Benefits programme—$200 at birth and $100 monthly for eligible children up to 35 months; registration opens in September and closes Nov 30. Drug-Free Samoa: A new national working group has started planning a coordinated Drug-Free Samoa response focused on prevention, mental health, family support, and treatment links. Online Safety for Kids: Samoa’s new Ombudsman flags unregulated social media and risky platforms as a major child rights concern, calling for stronger governance. Travel Health Alert: With dengue fever risks in the Pacific, travel advisories for Samoa stress mosquito protection (repellent and protective clothing) and staying alert to symptoms.

Ocean Health & Food Security: Pristine Seas’ research vessel Argo has arrived in Samoa for a major marine protected area survey, using scuba transects, deep-sea cameras, seabird counts, environmental DNA sampling, and a submersible to study biodiversity and the “twilight zone,” with findings meant to strengthen Samoa’s ocean protection plan and protect cultural heritage and local livelihoods. NCD Targets: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5%, tracking diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and obesity/overweight, while noting baseline figures and the need for clearer monitoring through health systems. Precision Medicine (Equity Focus): An Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia heard calls to ensure Māori and Pacific communities are included from the start, not added later, as personalised medicine based on genetic profiles could otherwise widen health gaps. Child Support Rollout: Samoa is moving ahead with the Child Wellbeing Benefits programme, including a $200 newborn bonus and $100 monthly support for eligible children from birth to 35 months, with registration opening in September. Drug-Free Samoa Initiative: Samoa has launched a national working group to coordinate a Drug-Free Samoa response focused on prevention of drug-related harm among children and adolescents, linking prevention with mental health, family support, and health services. Travel Health Alert (Dengue): Smartraveller has updated advice for Australians visiting Samoa amid dengue risk, urging strict mosquito bite protection and noting high regional case numbers, with symptoms and when to seek medical care. Online Safety for Kids: Samoa’s new Ombudsman flags children’s unregulated social media access and risky platforms as a major human rights concern, calling for stronger governance to protect children’s wellbeing.

NCD Targets: Samoa’s second Pathway for the Development of Samoa sets a goal to cut non-communicable diseases by 5% by 2030/31, tracking diabetes, hypertension, cancer, overweight and obesity, with diabetes rising sharply in estimates (28,200 adults living with diabetes in 2024, up from 6,600 in 2011). Child Wellbeing Benefits: Samoa is rolling out a Child Well-Being Benefits programme with a $200 newborn bonus and $100 monthly support for eligible children from birth to 35 months; registration opens in September and closes Nov 30, with health and family agencies coordinating delivery. Drug-Free Samoa Initiative: A new National Working Group for a Drug-Free Samoa has moved from planning to action, bringing together health, justice, education, police and UNICEF to shape prevention of drug-related harm among children and adolescents. Precision Medicine Push: An Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia says personalised medicine could improve outcomes, but warns Māori and Pacific communities must be included from the start to avoid widening health gaps. Ombudsman on Online Risks: Samoa’s Ombudsman flags children’s unregulated social media access and dangerous platforms as a major human rights concern, calling for stronger governance to protect young people. Dengue Warning for Visitors: Travel advisories urge people visiting Samoa to prevent mosquito bites amid ongoing dengue risk, citing thousands of cases across the Pacific region earlier this year.

Precision Medicine in Samoa: An Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium in Apia says personalised care could improve outcomes, but warns Māori and Pacific communities must be included from the start so new genetics tools don’t widen health gaps. Sports Health & Access: A Fijiana women’s rugby player is still waiting months after an ACL rupture, with her family and the Pacific Rugby Players Association pushing for overseas treatment support. Child Well-Being Benefits: Samoa has launched a Child Well-Being Benefit Program: a $200 newborn bonus and $100 monthly support for eligible children from birth to 35 months, with registration opening in September. Drug-Free Samoa Planning to Action: Samoa’s National Working Group has moved from planning to a coordinated drug-related harm prevention push, linking prevention with mental health, treatment and family support. Ombudsman on Online Risks: Samoa’s Ombudsman flags unregulated social media access as a major risk for children and calls for stronger protections. Dengue Alert for Visitors: Travel advice updates urge people in Samoa to prevent mosquito bites as dengue cases remain high across the Pacific, with symptoms and when to seek care clearly outlined. Community Health Research: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a Samoa expedition to survey biodiversity in new marine protected areas, supporting the goal of protecting 30% of ocean through better baseline data. Safety at Sports Events: Samoa Police investigate the death of a rugby league player after a match incident, asking anyone with video footage to contact investigators.