A newly developed National Eye Care Plan is being launched in Apia, Samoa, this week during the Pacific
Heads of Health Meeting.

The National Eye Care Plan 2024-2028 (Plan) was developed by the Samoa Ministry of Health – with
guidance from a technical steering group. It aims to improve eye health care and reduce avoidable
blindness and vision impairment.

Samoa’s Minister of Health, Hon. Valasi Tafito Selesele, says while some incredible work has already
been achieved, it’s essential to always strive for more. “The loss of sight of Samoan people causes
significant human suffering, impacting affected individuals and their families’ everyday lives and reducing
the possibility of a productive future,” he says.

“I am confident the National Eye Care Plan will provide a critical reference to guide the planning,
implementation, management and evaluation of eye care in Samoa, and that it will provide great utility to
all stakeholders working together to end avoidable blindness.”

The Samoan National Eye Care Plan plays a crucial role in strengthening an integrated health system by
addressing the importance of eye health within the broader Samoan healthcare framework, as it ensures
equitable access to eye care and promotes preventative measures in the communities.
Director General of Health, Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma, says the National Eye Care Plan will act as a guiding
tool in enhancing the delivery of healthcare services in the region. “Our ultimate aim is not just to consult;
it is about implementing the plan and taking action. We need clarity on responsibilities and progress
tracking systems to ensure the best eye health outcomes for all Samoans,” he says.
The release of the plan follows the signing of a five-year partnership agreement between The Ministry and
The Fred Hollows Foundation New Zealand late last year. Both organisations have a long-standing
successful relationship spanning nearly two decades and have made significant progress in strengthening
Samoa’s eye health system.
The Foundation CEO, Dr Audrey Aumua, says the launch of the plan marks a significant step forward for
eye health care in Samoa. “The Foundation has supported our Samoan partners in building considerable

eye health infrastructure, alongside significant workforce training and development. It’s with this
grounding and workforce that it’s now possible to invest in the Samoan National Eye Care Plan,” she
says.
A key priority outlined in the National Eye Care Plan is the completion of a Rapid Assessment of
Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) – a national prevalence study, which is being implemented by The Ministry,
with support from The Foundation.
Commencing this month, the RAAB will provide valuable data and information, especially on prevalence
and trends of eye conditions and vision impairment, and will assist with planning and decision making, as
well as enabling Samoa to report against global eye health targets for 2030, endorsed by the World
Health Assembly.

ENDS
Media information:
For interview requests or more information, please contact: Dr Lucilla Ah Ching-Sefo
Head of Department (Eye Health) or the Office of the Deputy Director General, Clinical Services, MOH.