Drop in American Samoa's WHO funding blamed on past leaders

American Samoa's health director has blamed previous department heads for the drastic drop in financial assistance from the World Health Organization.

Over the years, the WHO has provided a variety of support - financial and human resources - to American Samoa and other Pacific islands.

Several years ago American Samoa received more than $US300 million annually.

The money also funded travel for senior health officials to attend off-island meetings.

Motusa Tuileama Nua told lawmakers that WHO funding is down to $US70,000 and that money goes directly to the Treasury.

Motusa said the funds target programs for diseases, fellowships and financing education for local students attending medical schools in other Pacific countries.

 

Photo: RNZI (LBJ hospital, American Samoa).