5 May 2010

World Bank approves more funds for tsunami-stricken Samoa

1:44 pm on 5 May 2010

The World Bank has approved an additional three million US dollars to help Samoa rebuild its health sector following last September's tsunami, and increase access to quality health services.

Samoa's health sector was hit hard by the tsunami, with the total recovery bill estimated at 7.4 million dollars.

The World Bank says the additional financing will ensure that access to basic health services is maintained for Samoans during the restoration process.

It says the priority is on enhancing communicable disease control efforts, delivering specialist health services to relocated populations, and disaster risk mitigation measures for the future.

The money will go to the government's health sector management programme project, which is funded by a loan from the International Development Association and grants from Australia and New Zealand.