Mobile dental clinic vehicles delivered to Japan

Apia, Samoa – August 23, 2024 – The Government of Japan remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the Government of Samoa to promote the health and well-being of the Samoan people.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa, Mr SENTA Keisuke, handed over a mobile dental vehicle valued at US$908,000 (approximately SAR 2,400,000) to the Minister of Health, Afioga Valasi Luapitofanua Toogamaga Tafito Selesele.

Over the years, Samoa’s healthcare sector has faced significant challenges, particularly in providing adequate dental care. Despite the best efforts of the National Hospital Dental Department, it has struggled to meet the high demand for services due to a lack of space and equipment.

Recognizing this need, Japan has provided support to Samoa through various projects aimed at strengthening the country’s dental care infrastructure.

The new mobile dental clinic was donated by Japan’s Economic and Social Development Program.

The cooperation between Japan and the Samoan Ministry of Health began in 2016 when Japan provided Samoa with necessary dental equipment, laying the foundation for the continued improvement of dental care in Samoa.

In 2018, Japan took another step forward by providing the first mobile dental clinic vehicle and its related equipment, enabling dental services to reach communities and schools with limited medical resources.

Today, Japan is pleased to make a further contribution with the handover of a second mobile dental clinic vehicle. This new vehicle reflects Japan’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that all Samoans, wherever they live, have access to quality dental care.

In addition to the above assistance, Japan has also arranged for Japanese experts to provide training to Samoan medical staff. This training ensures that the mobile dental clinic vehicles can be used to the maximum extent possible, allowing Samoan medical staff to provide the highest standard of care.

The project was made possible by grant assistance from Japan’s Economic and Social Development Program.

Partners in Health Ambassador Mr. SENTA Keisuke with dignitaries and Ministry of Health staff.