The Samoa AIDS Foundation says it will continue to identify and refer people it considers to be high risk to the Ministry of Health's Communicable Disease Control clinic for counseling and testing as well as treatment.

Responding to emailed questions from the Samoa Observer, Samoa AIDS Foundation President Leniu Dr Asaua said that their sexual health clinic has been closed since their annual general meeting in October last year, but they will continue to refer patients that they consider to be high risk to the M.O.H. Communicable Disease Control clinic.

"S.A.F. (Samoa AIDS Foundation) has decided to stop running a sexual health clinic but to keep identifying high risk people and referring to the Communicable Disease Control (C.DC.) clinic for counselling; testing also treatment if needed," she said in an email reply. 

"A lot more to be done in terms of village Outreach, village team empowerment and reaching everyone who needs this kind of health service. We have full time employees, only 3 Executive Board Members working voluntarily, and when they have time.

“We also have five Youth Volunteers that we call upon when needed for Community activities or for joint activities with the Ministry of Health & other Stakeholder partners working in preventing and controlling HIV and S.T.Is (sexually transmitted infections) in Samoa,” wrote Leniu.  

The Samoa Observer also asked about programs to cater to patients who have already been diagnosed.

“[There is] clinical care through the C.D.C Clinic and HIV STI Program at MOH, support services from us [S.A.F.]. It's very important work, but the coordinated and collective effort to prevent and reduce S.T.Is in Samoa has not shown a big impact as yet… calls for new or innovative ways of delivering and working in partnership in the community,” said Leniu.

The S.A.F. President added that the biggest challenges the organisation has faced were to do with funding and human resources, with the Ministry of Health being their only sponsor up to three years ago before support came from different diplomatic missions, banks and local businesses.

“[Ministry of Health] funds clinical care and other support services, as well as a lot of awareness and advocacy work,” said Leniu.

According to the President, S.A.F. has a ‘Ribbon of Love’ campaign to raise funds for people living with HIV. The Foundation tries to help during special celebration days throughout the year. This opportunity is also to appeal to the general public and business community to please support this important cause.