American Samoa is a territory of unhealthy citizens costing the government an ever increasing amount of money trying to treat unwanted diseases, particularly renal failure.
That is the gloomy message from Governor Lolo Moliga in a memo dated September 18 to all CEOs and Directors urging a territory wide physical exercise and healthy living educational program.
Governor Lolo wants to not only improve the quality of life of the people, but also turn around what he calls the “debilitating trend that is pushing the territory towards financial bankruptcy.”
The memo establishes a Quality of Life Improvement Task Force.
The task force, who will spearhead the initiative will be chaired by Lt Governor Lemanu Mauga and will include
- Director of Education – Dr Ruth Matagi Tofiga
- Deputy Secretary of Samoan Affairs – Malemo Tausaga
- Commissioner of Public Safety – Le’i Sonny Thompson
- Executive Director of ASPA – Utu Abe Malae
- CEO LBJ Tropical Medical Centre – Faumuina John Faumuina
- President American Samoa Community College – Dr Rosevonne Pato
- CEO of ASTCA – Puleleiite Li’amatua Tufele
A regime of physical education and healthy lifestyles is what the governor wants the plan to include for the whole territory.
The task force is charged with coming up with a plan within 90 days for the governor’s decision and prompt implementation.
