New Zealand's Prime Minister Bill English said just over US$4 million will be given towards expanding specialist health services and addressing non-communicable diseases in Samoa
New Zealand PM Bill English and his wife, Mary English, standing next to Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele.Malielegaoi Photo: RNZ Pacific/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
He announced the funding, to be spread over five years, during a visit to Tupua Tamasese National Hospital, in Apia on Friday.
Mr English met with patients and staff, and had the opportunity to see first-hand how New Zealand's investments in infrastructure and support of the national health system are benefitting the people of Samoa.
"Samoa is making impressive strides in areas such as maternal and child health, but we can provide more help by supporting the Samoan system to deliver quality and equitable health services," he said.
The new programme includes more support for telemedicine, funding for the specialist treatment of Samoan patients in New Zealand hospitals, and support to address non-communicable diseases, and reproductive, maternal, new-born and child health.
The assistance builds on the strengths of the existing partnership between Counties Manukau Health and Samoa's National Health Service.
