Strengthening Samoa and New Zealand Health Collaboration

2026-03-26 - 02:24

As part of his official visit to Wellington, Hon. Va’aaoao Alofipo, Samoa’s Minister of Health, met with Hon. Simeon Brown, New Zealand’s Minister of Health, to reaffirm the strong and enduring health partnership between Samoa and New Zealand. During the visit, the Minister was also hosted by the Samoa High Commission Office in New Zealand, led by His Excellency Afamasaga Faamatalaupu Toleafoa, High Commissioner, alongside Ms Juliana Faataualofa Lafaialii, Deputy Head of Mission/Counsellor, Mrs Lise Taualoa, First Secretary, and members of the Samoa High Commission. Discussions highlighted Samoa’s key health priorities, including addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), strengthening primary and community-based care, and building a sustainable and highly skilled health workforce. “I would like to thank the Government of New Zealand, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Pasefika service providers, for their continued support in progressing programmes that enhance primary healthcare in Samoa,” said Hon. Va’aaoao Alofipo. Central to this partnership is the continued expansion of the Long-Term Placements and Twinning Programme, supporting bilateral workforce exchange and system strengthening across both countries. Both countries acknowledged strong alignment in their health priorities particularly in prevention, workforce development, and improving outcomes for Pacific populations and committed to advancing a more structured and coordinated partnership under the Polynesian Health Corridor. Samoa reaffirmed its commitment to progressing this partnership at pace, including the development of Nurse Practitioner pathways, strengthening clinical leadership, and improving access to quality care for rural and underserved communities. This strengthened collaboration reflects a shared vision to deliver sustainable, equitable, and culturally responsive health systems for both Samoa and New Zealand.