23 Mar 2017

New partnership approach to tackling health issues in Samoa

8:04 am on 23 March 2017

The United Nations Development Programme the Ministry of Health of Samoa and Digicel are partnering in a mass media campaign to address tuberculosis, HIV and sexually transmitted infections.

The campaign, which was being run in Nauru, Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu was kicking off this week in Samoa.

It will run until the end of 2017, with the initial focus being on TB to coincide with World TB Day on 24 March.

The Director General of the Ministry of Health, Leausa Toleafoa Dr Take Naseri, said one of the best ways to reach people was through their cellphones.

It was estimated that 110,000 people will be reached in Samoa through Digicel's mobile network.

Text messages would be delivered to subscribers and direct them to a webpage with more information on prevention and where to go for testing, treatment, care and support services.

Samoa’s Ministry of Health Director General and CEO, Leausa Dr Take Naseri

Samoa’s Ministry of Health Director General and CEO, Leausa Dr Take Naseri Photo: Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia