Focus on Food a Factor in Responding to Disease

summit-group

The focus on food in traditional practices is seen by health officials as a hurdle in dealing with prevalent diseases in both Samoas.

The Bilateral Health Summit between Samoa and American Samoa which began yesterday is discussing non communicable and communicable diseases and identifying strategies to combat them.

Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua says it’s important to also look at how the culture impacts people’s health.

Play AudioMotusa food vs. culture

Samoa’s Associate Minister of Health, Salausa Dr. John Ah Ching, said the Summit is useful in keeping the dialogue going between the health sectors of both Samoa.

He said it’s important to keep the information fresh and up to date so that when health related disasters occur there are protocols in place to deal with them in a timely and expeditious manner.

He also recognized that both sides rely heavily on foreign assistance and the Summit provides an avenue for the health sectors of Samoa and American Samoa to share expertise.

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