American Samoa's lieutenant governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga says while there are no locally contracted cases of HIV/AIDS, the continued exchange of ideas and awareness is needed.
Health officials say there are two cases of AIDS in the territory which deals with patients who returned home in 2001.
The two patients contracted HIV/AIDS while living in the US.
Lemanu says the importance of this week's World AIDS Day cannot be underestimated as it brings together people who represent achievement around the world in the prevention of the disease.
He says while it is good news that there are no locally diagnosed cases more still needs to be done.
"We still need to develop a deeper understanding of HIV and AIDS to possibly be just a little bit more aware and just a little less embarrassed about how the virus is transmitted."
