The launching of an injury prevention programme in Samoa has heard a call for special care to be taken of children.
The Health Minister, Mulitalo Siafausa, said injuries to children were a serious problem causing permanent physical and mental disabilities to some.
Last year 89 children under 14 were admitted to Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital for serious injuries, but Mulitalo said many more were treated in the emergency of outpatient departments.
He said what concerned him most was that many injuries occured inside families, where there should be adequate protection of children.
