The two Samoa Government leaders have mutually agreed to commit to efforts in addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in both countries. 

One of the outcomes of the Second Atoa o Samoa Executive Meetings, which was held in Samoa over a week ago, is the consideration of a physician and nurse exchange programme for Samoa and American Samoa. 

The rationale behind this program is that it can assist with the ongoing problems of not having enough specialists and healthcare professionals who are resident within the two countries. 

"Nurses from Samoa will be required to complete the NCLEX exam to be able to work in American Samoa," the brief explanation from the list of the outcomes document which was provided to the public. 

Furthermore, the Meeting noted that the Samoan government has engaged the Samoa diaspora to seek specialised human resources to assist with Samoa’s development.

"The Meeting reiterated the importance of strong and robust health systems as a critical contributor to social and economic development.

"The Meeting noted opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between the two governments on health care information exchange and health care collaboration. 

"The Meeting was informed of the development of a standalone electronic health records system (EHR) in American Samoa, which will play an important role in patient management and effective medical care services."

In acknowledging the increasing number of cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in both countries, the delegations from both Samoa and the U.S. territory have agreed to commit their efforts in addressing the issue. 

"Meeting noted opportunities to increase awareness programmes and impact assessments to further inform programmes to prevent and control NCDs, including communicable diseases like measles and tuberculosis. 

"The Meeting took note of healthcare access and requirements for non-residents and foreigners, including visitors to American Samoa in line with its regulations. 

"The Meeting also took note of the commencement of discussions between the two governments on possible ways to provide mutual support on health work and development priorities."

At the conclusion of the meeting held at the Taumeasina Island Resort, Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa told the media that there was an emphasis on areas – where collaboration between Samoa and the territory could improve, such as in education and health. 

Noting the significance of the two sectors, Fiame said that the meeting devoted a lot of time to discussing ways they can assist each other in order to improve the services within the two neighbours.