The One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project, valued at US$4.8 million in grant financing from the Pandemic Fund, is expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats. It was launched on Tuesday.

The joint initiative is led by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, with implementation support from the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation.

Samoa secured the funding during the second round of allocations from the Pandemic Fund. The grant is expected to mobilise more than US$5 million in additional co-investment and co-financing from domestic and international partners.

The project adopts a One Health approach, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. It aims to strengthen surveillance systems, expand laboratory capacity and build a resilient, multisectoral workforce to better respond to emerging infectious diseases, climate-related health risks and zoonotic threats.

“It marks the beginning of a new chapter in Samoa’s health security journey, where preparedness is not an option but a shared responsibility,” Minister of Health Va’aaoao Salumalo Alofipo said. “I am confident that with the dedication of our teams, the guidance of our partners, and the support of our communities, we will achieve the outcomes we all aspire to.”

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Fuimaono Maiava Tito Asafo reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to the initiative, saying it will help build workforce capacity and improve information-sharing on animal diseases.

“Fifteen Animal Production and Health Division employees have completed the 16-week para-vet course, which mandated that by 2025, they will practice veterinary medicine,” he said. “The Ministry's participation in the One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project will enable us to improve the tools and equipment, as well as the level of service delivery to the livestock farmer in Samoa.”

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Ale Vena Ale highlighted the integration of climate early warning systems as central to national resilience.

“Integrating climate early warning systems across sectors is critical for Samoa’s resilience,” he said, noting alignment with national policies including the National Environment Sector Plan 2023–2027 and the Climate Change Policy 2020–2030. “By aligning our work with the outcomes of this project, we are strengthening MNRE’s mandate while delivering long-term benefits for the people and environment of Samoa.”

Under the financing arrangement, the World Bank serves as the primary implementing entity and convener, working alongside the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the World Health Organisation. Activities are expected to begin this year.

“This project in Samoa represents an important step in strengthening the country’s preparedness to prevent, detect, and respond to future health threats,” said Priya Basu, Executive Head of the Pandemic Fund. “Our US$4.8 million grant is helping to mobilise over US$5 million in additional co-investment and co-financing from both domestic and international sources.”

Stefano Mocci, World Bank Country Manager for the South Pacific, said the investment reflects the bank’s long-standing commitment to strengthening health systems across the Pacific.

Guangzhou Qu, FAO Subregional Coordinator, said, “When humans, animals, plants and the environment are all healthy, we can secure nutritious and safe food for every Samoan.”

WHO Representative to Samoa, Dr Wendy Snowdon, said the agency will continue providing technical expertise in One Health, antimicrobial resistance and strengthening the human health workforce.

During the launch event, the Ministry of Health also unveiled Samoa’s National Antimicrobial Guidelines 2026, the updated National Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines, and the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan 2026–2031, reinforcing national efforts under the One Health Pandemic Preparedness and Response project.