Samoa in health “crisis”

Samoa is in a Non-Communicable Disease (N.C.D.) crisis, says the Ministry of Health.

In its report on the Political Declaration of the High Level Meeting of the General Assembly and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases tabled in Parliament, the Health and Social Services, Internal Affairs, Community and Social Development (H.S.S.I.A.C.S.D.) Committee emphasises the importance of the promotion of the prevention and control of N.C.D.s

According to the World Health Organisation N.C.D.s, also known as chronic diseases, are not passed from person to person.

“They are of long duration and generally slow progression,” the health Agency reports.

“The four main types of N.C.D.s are cardiovascular diseases, like heart attacks and stroke; cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma; and, diabetes.

“N.C.D.s already disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries where nearly three quarters of N.C.D. deaths, 28 million occur.”

Gatoloaifaana A.A. Gidlow serves as the H.S.S.I.A.C.S.D. Committee’s Chairman.

“The purpose of this report is to emphasise the importance to strengthen the promotion of a healthy lifestyle and the prevention and control of N.C.D.s in Samoa and countries around the world,” the report reads.

“The Committee noted that this was only the second time (this) health issue was addressed in the United Nations as it affects countries around the world.

“The M.O.H. see the N.C.D.s (issue) at a crisis level, which not only affects health but development in the country.

“The Ministry has conducted tests through treatment and diagnosis within the constraints of the health system and limited resources over a number of years now.

“This is becoming expensive and may soon become unsustainable.”

The Committee reports that the Ministry has begun to undertake some of the objectives addressed in the High Level Meeting of the General Assembly such as the engagement of parliamentarians through a Parliamentary Advocacy Group for Healthy Living.

“(Also) Improvement to the Health System with the reconstruction of the new National Hospital of Samoa,” says the Committee.

“(And) plans for the construction of a new Primary Health Centre for those affected by diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.”

The Committee says that the M.O.H. relayed its research into the total number of those affected by obesity, diabetes and smoking is near completion.

“The Committee believes the main focus of this report is for the Political will and strong support from all leaders which will lead to efforts and put a stop to this growing problem,” the report reads.

“Based on the view of the Committee this agreement has a high level of importance as it affects not only Samoa but countries around the world.”

In its conclusion, the Committee made two recommendations to Government.

“To consider any bill, petition or other matter referred by the Assembly or pursuant to these Standing Orders, and such Estimates or review of Minsiterial performance as maybe referred by the Finance and Expenditure Committee,” it recommended.

“To examine the policy, administration and expenditure of ministries and associated government organisations realted to health, housing and social services, internal affairs, community and development.”

In addition to Gatoloaifaana, Aeau Peniamina Leavaiseeta serves as the Committee’s Deputy Chairman and Ifopo Matia Filisi, Aveau Nikotemo Palamo, Sooalo Mene and Alo Fulifuli Taveuveu served as members.

The report is republished in full below:

The Health And Social Services, Internal Affairs, Community and Social Development Committee recomends that the Assembly take note of its Report.

1. RESOLUTION:- After Consideration in Detail of the Bill, the Committee resolved to recommend to the Assembly:

- P.P. 2012/2013 No. 36, Political Declaration of High Level Meeting of the General Assembly on the Prevention and Control of Non Comunicable Diseases.

2. RECOMMENDATIONS:-

Based on its Findings the Committee recommends the Government to:

1. That the Government support appropriate measures set up by the Ministry of Health for the Promotion of awareness and prevention from Non- Communicable Diseases.

2. That the Promotion of awareness and Prevention of Non—Communicable Diseases begin with Government leaders through the engagement of parliamentarians.

3. That the Samoa Parliamentary Advocacy Group on Healthy Living (SPAHGL) be recognized as a Parliamentary Committee to strengthen and indicate the Governments support for national development on health.

4. That Parliament approves this agreement for the promotion of awareness and prevention from Non-Communicable Diseases.

5. That the Ministry of Health under take measures set out for the Promotion and Prevention and control of Non-Communicable diseases according to the objectives set out in the agreement.

3. FINDINGS:-

The purpose of this report is to emphisize the importance to strengthen the promotion of a healthy life style and the prevention and control of Non-Communicable Diseases in Samoa and countries around the world. The Committee noted that this was only the second time a health issues was addressed in the United Nations due to its importance as it affects countries around the world.

The Ministry of Health see the Non- Communicable Diseases at a crisis level which affects not only health but development in the country. The Ministry has conducted tests through treatment and diagnosis within the constraints of the health system and limited recources over a number of years now. This is becoming expensive and may soon become unsustainable.

The Ministry has begun to undertake some of the objectives addressed in the High Level Meeting ofthe General Assembly such as:

1. The engagement of parliamentarians through avParliamentary Advocacy Group for Healthy Living (SPAHGL).

2. Improvement to the Health System with the reconstruction of the new National Hospital of Samoa.

3. Pans for the construction of a new Primary Health Center for those affected by diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. The Ministry states that research to the total number of those affected by obesity diabetes and smoking is near completion.

The Committee believe the main focus of this report is for the Political will and strong support from all leaders which will lead to efforts and put a stop to this growing problem.

Based on the view of the Committee this agreement has a high level of importance as it affects not only Samoa but countries around the world.

The Committee wish to thank the Honourable Minister of Health together with the Ministry of Health for the effort in creating awareness of the importance for the health for everyone around the world.

WITNESSES:-

During the course of the Committee’s review, it was able to hear oral evidence subbmitted by the following:-

Ministry of Health Leausa Dr Take Naseri - Cheif Executive Officer Delphina Kerslake-Wulf - Legal Consultant Kolisi Viki - Coordinator (NCD)

STANDING ORDERS 171:-

Pursuant to Standing Orders l73, it shall be the duty of the Health and Social Services, Internal Affairs Community and Social Development Committee:

i. To consider any bill, petition or other matter reffered by the Assembly or Pursuant to these Standing Orders; and such Estimates or review of ministerial performance as maybe referred by the Finance and Expediture Committee;

ii. To examine the policy, administration and expenditure of ministries and associated government organizations related to health, housing and social services, internal affairs, community and development.

Gatoloaifaana A.A.Gidlow - Chairman
Aeau Peniamina Leavaiseeta - Deputy Chairman
Ifopo Matia Filisi - Member
Aveau Nikotemo Palamo - Member
Sooalo Mene - Member
Alo Fulifuli Taveuveu - Member