The Ministry of Health has denied allegations of primary school students being administered double doses of the lymphatic filariasis drugs. 

Reports of students at the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School being administered double doses of the cocktail of medication last week reached the Samoa Observer, which was brought to the attention of the M.O.H. management last Friday. In a press conference convened last Saturday, officials from the ministry said an investigation was underway to verify the reports.

Responding to questions from the Samoa Observer on Monday, Acting Director General, Atoa Dr Glenn Fatupaito emphasised that the public was made aware of the campaign a month before it kicked off, through various media outlets and social media and he denied that there instances of double doses being administered.   

"As such, we strongly believe that the general public was well notified ahead of time of the M.D.A. [mass drug administration] and of its intent," said Dr Fatupaito. "With regards to this case, our M.O.H. staff entered the school premises primarily to approach people residing on the school compound and parents awaiting the completion of school for the M.D.A."

Dr. Fatupaito said a written statement from the M.O.H. staff whose administering of the drugs at the school came under scrutiny stated that they approached the school principal for approval after parents requested if their children attending the school could take their medication at the school compound. 

"We note that the school principal consented to this and this activity was arranged for the following day, towards the end of the school day so that the students were not disrupted during school hours," said Dr. Fatupaito.

While there were reports of a heated disagreement between some of the parents and the M.O.H. team at the school last week, Dr Fatupaito said their staff have denied such a thing happened at the school in question. 

"When M.O.H. staff arrived on site, the school had already identified and set aside the students who were yet to take the filarial medications," he added. "Yes, the Ministry was notified by the parents of a child who allegedly took the medication again after having already taken it two days prior. 

"The M.O.H. team responsible were contacted and cautioned immediately of the issue and advised to administer medication only to children of parents who were physically present to provide parental consent."

According to Dr Fatupaito, their staff who came under scrutiny and were the subject of last week's report were reminded to be vigilant when approached for M.D.A. medication in public places or at any mass gathering.

Asked how the M.O.H. can guarantee its staff administering the drug follow proper channels, Dr Fatupaito said their staff are reminded daily not to administer any medication to school-aged children if the child's parents are not present, even at the request of a school principal or school committee. 

"This applies to whether the child is in school, at church or out in the community," he added. "The Ministry acknowledges the kind support of the wider community for their cooperation and support, especially Sui o Nuu and Sui Tamaitai o Nuu and all our partners, M.O.H. staff, NGOs and volunteers who have been working tirelessly throughout this campaign to ensure we eradicate Lymphatic Filariasis from Samoa."