World champ to promote healthier Samoa cause

03 November 2016, 12:00AM

World champion athlete Valerie Adams will tour the recently opened prosthetics and orthotics workshop, and national pharmaceutical warehouse at Motootua when she arrives in Samoa this afternoon.

New Zealand contributed NZ$4.3 million to the funding for these facilities together with Australia and the World Bank under the jointly funded health sector wide approach programme (S.W.A.p.).

Adams will then visit Saoluafata tomorrow, one of the villages under the P.E.N Fa’a Samoa programme, delivered by the Ministry of Health with assistance of the W.H.O. local office. 

P.E.N. Fa’a Samoa addresses key issues by integrating community participation and village outreach services for non-communicable diseases (N.C.D.s) to ensure the early detection of people at risk, to establish easy access & mechanisms for referral to district health facility for treatment and follow up, and to increase awareness of N.C.D. risk factors. 

This will be a valuable opportunity for Valerie Adams to see first-hand how New Zealand is supporting Samoa health development as well as spreading the message about the benefits of active, healthy lifestyles for everyone. 

 “It is wonderful to receive a visit from a world champion whose success can be an inspiration to our youth and community and it’s also a great opportunity to emphasise the importance of keeping active for our health”, Dr. Maria Kerslake, on behalf of Faletua & Tausi Saoluafata Womens Village Committee. 

 “Valerie’s visit is timely, ahead of the Annual National Health week, to highlight the importance of healthy living”, said Ministry of Health C.E.O., Leausa Dr Take Naseri. 

Valerie Vili’s programme today 

• 2.10pm: Arrive at Faleolo International Airport 

• 3.30pm: Meeting with Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi 

• 4.15pm: Meeting with Minister of Health Tuitama Dr. Leao Talalelei Tuitama 

• 4.30pm: Tour of health facilities with Minister of Health, Family Health Clinic and Orthotics Building

• 7pm: Dinner reception at New Zealand High Commission. 

03 November 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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