DNA and cancer testing will now be made possible in Samoa through the new Samoa Diagnostic Medical Laboratory at the Samoa Family Health Association (SFHA) office in Motootua.

This state-of-the-art laboratory is equipped with advanced technology that for the first time will enable critical tests to be undertaken right here in the country.

The Samoa Diagnostic Medical Laboratory is a fully functional diagnostic laboratory that was supported in partnership with the Pacific Laboratory Specialists, Samoa Family Health Association, and the International Planned Parenthood Federation Sub-Regional Office for the Pacific and the Australian Government through the Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) program.

The Lead Lab Technician, Josese Mailulu said this was a great milestone for Samoa.

“Today is a great achievement for the people of Samoa. One of the labs strengths is providing a screening for cancer especially for cervical cancer for women. With this test, the turnaround time is quicker,” he said.

“We are also looking for support from donor partners where we can go and screen the population in Samoa to see what is the standard for cancer.

“Our objective is to save lives through early intervention which is the only solution we see for now. Treatment is very expensive, whereas we can do the screening and with early intervention we can get them treated very early and save their lives.” 

This will allow responsive and timely diagnoses, significantly reducing the turnaround time from six weeks to just around four days.

Soraya McGinley, Third Secretary Development from the Australian High Commission said this partnership aims to bring quality and affordable healthcare to women and under-served communities in Samoa .

She said the provisions of timely screening, early diagnosis, treatment referral, and effective follow-up were key to reducing preventable deaths associated with sexual and reproductive health conditions.

“Being the leading sexual and reproductive health rights provider in the country, SFHA delivers family planning and reproductive health services in Upolu and Savaii. Their mobile clinics provide essential services in Samoa’s rural communities ensuring access to quality healthcare for women, youth, and all in need,” she said.

“As a member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, SFHA works together with the global healthcare provider to empower communities and ensure their provision of services are accessible to the most marginalised groups.

"Australia has and continues to support SFHA through our bilateral and regional programming to support the delivery of quality and accessible sexual reproductive health and family planning services.”