8legs: Pacific academy of sciences

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Regional Director’s return to Samoa centres on science and collaboration for health

WHO Regional Director Dr. Saia Ma’ū Piukala visited Samoa in February 2026 for a three‑day mission focused on science and health collaboration in the Pacific.
Piukala attended the Pacific Academy of Sciences inaugural Congress in Apia, underscoring Pacific-led knowledge and regional scientific leadership.
The visit included meetings with Samoa’s Prime Minister and Health Minister to align on health system resilience and noncommunicable disease prevention.
Samoa was highlighted as a key regional partner hosting the Pacific Health Ministers Meeting in 2027.
The One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project was launched to strengthen Samoa’s ability to prevent, detect and respond to health threats.
The project is a whole‑of‑government effort involving health, agriculture and environment.
National guidelines launched alongside the project include antimicrobial, infection prevention and control, and surgical‑obstetric‑anaesthesia plans.
The regional team discussed climate change, nutrition insecurity and inequities with the Samoa UN Country Team.
WHO staff in Samoa hosted an open talanoa with the Regional Director over a shared lunch.
At the National University of Samoa, Piukala stressed the importance of health workers and discussed training opportunities.

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