Training workshops on ultrasound scanning, midwifery and gynaecology amongst others are underway with Samoa playing host to reproductive health specialists from 16 Pacific nations.

The programme started on Tuesday with pre-conference workshops running parallel from Tuesday to Wednesday with the official launching taking place on Wednesday evening at the Lava Hotel. 

The training workshops are run pre-conference in the lead-up to the Pacific Society for Reproductive Health's 14th Biennial Workshops & Scientific Conference Members Biennial General Meeting from Thursday to Friday this week at the Taumeasina Island Resort. 

According to one of Samoa's senior clinician, Salausa Dr. John Ah Ching, the conference is bringing in delegates from Pacific Island countries who will be sharing their knowledges and experiences with our local midwives and healthcare providers. 

"This is run by the Pacific Society for Reproductive Health which are specialised in midwifery and all the other health issues related to women," he said. 

"There are 16 countries from the region that are part of this society including New Zealand and Australia. 

"This is held every two years and the last time Samoa hosted the conference was back in 2013."

The former Member of Parliament added that the host country always benefit from holding such a conference as it means more training opportunities for local health professionals amongst other benefits.  

"We are fortunate to host this year's conference because we can have more people participating and taking part in the different workshops and trainings provided by this conference," he said. 

"This will benefit us in so many ways as we have specialist from New Zealand conducting the training and workshops and they have the latest information and update on how to take care our patients. 

"It's something that will help enhance the skills of our healthcare service providers in Samoa. 

"Because if another country is hosting, we can only send two or three participants for the conference. This year, we are making good use of this very important conference. 

"On Friday, they will vote for where they will have the next conference."

Pre-conference workshops are held at other venues outside of Taumeasina Island resort including Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital and National University of Samoa. 

The ava welcoming event for the regional health conference will be held at the Lava Hotel on Wednesday at 6pm in the evening.