Samoa: Revitalizing PHC and tackling NCDs

Samoa may be a small country of only 200,000 people, but it is facing a large problem: non- communicable diseases (NCDs) in this tiny South Pacific archipelago are reaching epidemic proportions. An estimated 50% of the population between the ages of 18 and 64 is at high risk of developing diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory disease or cardiovascular disease. In response, the government of Samoa is tackling the problem through a primary health care approach. Through the PEN Fa’a Samoa initiative, the government is bringing interventions such as awareness campaigns and health screenings to the community.