Director of Health Motusa Tuileama Nua is thankful for the visit by the World Health Organization, Regional Director -Western Pacific, Dr. Saia Ma’u Pi’ukala—who was here for a few hours on Tuesday.
The Tongan citizen is the first Pacific islander to be appointed as the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.
Director Motusa said Dr. Pi’ukala was attending the Pacific Heads of Health meeting in Apia, and made a courtesy visit to the territory which is part of his jurisdiction.
Dr. Pi’ukala was impressed with the health facilities and services he saw at the Department of Health community centers and at LBJ Hospital, and remarked that we have a higher standard than most Pacific islands.
Though he had to leave before the Flag Day celebration, Dr. Pi’ukala attended the ava ceremony to welcome Flag Day guests on Tuesday. He spoke in Samoan to wish the leaders and people a happy 124th Flag Day when he was served his cup of ava.
Dr. Pi’ukala was accompanied by the WHO Officer based in Apia, Dr. Kim, who will be back in July for the launch of the Department of Health campaign against Non-Communicable Disease.
