More than ST$9 million was used to treat patients with chronic kidney diseases in the 2023/2023 financial year and Samoa has a very high obesity rate, especially among children.

Acting Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Health, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio made the comments in his opening remarks at the second Biannual Samoa Kidney Conference on Thursday at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel in Sogi. Attended by a distinguished gathering of local and international health experts, the conference aimed to delve into crucial discussions surrounding equitable access to kidney care.

Tuala highlighted the conference's pivotal role in shaping Samoa's health landscape. 

He emphasised the government's commitment to tackling Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly kidney diseases, which have emerged as a pressing health concern in the Pacific region.

"Last year at the United Nations, the Prime Minister informed the international community that non-communicable diseases including kidney diseases, was a high priority area for Samoa and the Pacific," Tuala noted. 

"Chronic NCDs have overtaken communicable diseases as our major health problem, and the leading cause of mortality, morbidity and disability. 

"In our nation, NCDs account for almost half of the deaths. In other words, almost half of our people who have passed on departed this life prematurely. And we now have one of the highest obesity rates, particularly among children. 

"While data is showing some positive trends in the prevalence rates of alcohol use, smoking and physical activity, we need to focus a lot more attention on the rising burden of NCDs, in our people’s lives, and on our resources."

Highlighting the financial toll of kidney diseases, Tuala referenced data indicating a substantial rise in treatment costs over recent years.

"Data on the rise in the cost of kidney diseases, which the National Kidney Foundation will elaborate on after morning tea, indicates a jump from 16 patients and $3 million in 2004; to $9.3 million in 2022/23 for 250 local patients and 525 treatments for 101 visitors. 

"That’s not including the enormous cost and the suffering experienced by the patients and their families.  

"The Government of Samoa has therefore made, ‘people-centered’ health services and NCD control a priority in our National Pathway and Development 2019-2025. We also have the National NCD Policy 2019-2023 under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health.  The policy has expired and needs to be urgently reviewed and updated."

Tuala said it was time to get serious about changing our approach to disease prevention and reduction. 

"I commend the Samoa Kidney Foundation, our government, partner ministries, and all our partners here today, for the excellent dialysis service provided to our patients and visitors. 

"But it’s been a while since we set out, as government and as the health sector, to reduce the incidence of NCDs and kidney failures; and we’re not making any headway in this area. 

"This conference is a great opportunity to look at any lessons we’ve learned over the last four years under the NCD Policy, on What and How we can all make the necessary changes in how we are dealing with NCDs."

He further noted that the conference serves as a crucial platform to strategise on effective interventions and policies that can mitigate this escalating burden.

The government's proactive stance was reiterated, with Tuala citing ongoing initiatives like the National NCD Policy and the National Pathway and Development framework. These frameworks aim to strengthen health services, empower communities, and enhance early detection and treatment of NCDs through comprehensive programs launched in collaboration with development partners.

The conference agenda featured presentations from renowned health professionals, including delegates from Middlemore Hospital in New Zealand and representatives from the World Health Organization. Topics ranged from advancements in dialysis techniques to community-based health education programs, reflecting a holistic approach to combating NCDs.

Tuala also cited research by a senior doctor, Pule Dr. Viali Lameko who called for renewed public health strategies. His research highlighted a correlation between the reduction of community-based preventative programs and the surge in NCD-related mortality rates in Samoa. 

He also echoed a call for collaborative action, echoing commitments made at international forums like the UN International Conference on Small Island Developing States where leaders emphasised the need for integrated approaches across health, agriculture, and community governance to fortify resilience against health crises in the Pacific region.