Siomia Sou, 47, Saanapu

Back in the old days people use to seek help first from traditional healers but the hospital should be the first port of call today for treatment. I know that measles was here in Samoa before and people used to see healers for a cure, but now it’s really different and a lot of young lives have been lost. I recommend it’s better to seek the help of the hospital for any diseases and parents should always go to the hospital first. 

Tau Tofilau, 39, Falealili

I prefer seeking help at the hospital when his kids are sick and I would go to a hospital first and not traditional healers. I also know the reason why some people seek healers before the hospital because they are far from the hospital or have transportation difficulties. Some people live far away from hospitals and are used to seeing traditional healers, but I prefer the hospital. 

Semu Talifilemu, 38, Faagaloa

I prefer hospital treatment by the doctors which will cure the sickness. One reason why people seek traditional massage before going to the hospital is because they all have different beliefs in the traditional healer curing their child. But I prefer the hospital because of the medicine that they will provide to help. But if the treatment from the hospital does not work they can go and seek other healers.

Maria Lolua, 41, Letogo

As for my family we always go to the hospital first for medical treatment for my kids and also they can make a diagnosis of my child's illness. I always go to the hospital every time my children get sick. Unless the hospital runs out of treatment and lacks medication, then I can go and seek the traditional massage. But I don't relay a lot on traditional massage because I don't what plants or methods they use.

Ane Lemi, 43, Matautu

Back in the days we use to look for traditional massage to heal the children. But it is different now and I am in total support of seeking support from doctors at the hospital, because they know what illness my child has and also the best way to cure their illness. It is a challenge as some people still believe in traditional massage, but the hospital is their best chance for treatment and recovery. 

Carol Pilo, 65, Sogi

A hospital is the right place to take the sick child and not traditional healers as a hospital has solutions for all the sick children. Hospital staff know what is happening to the child and the illness that they suffer from. While there are claims of traditional healers curing diseases, I would still choose the hospital over traditional massage.