“This program has allowed me to have a better understanding of the theoretical and practical concepts of supply chain management,” said Etuini.  

“This includes leadership, management skills, how to devise and execute quality improvement projects within a budget, address management issues, and document management. It’s also about exploring national plans and strategies. I learned how important it is to document every protocol, every word. If you’re not committed, there’s nothing to stand on. Compliance is everything.”  

Dr Seventeen Toumoua, Pathologist Consultant for Samoa’s Laboratory Services, acknowledges the impact of this support in strengthening local systems. 

 “Samoa has taken the lead in its journey to become compliant with ISO 15189, which is the standard for any clinical laboratory service.”  

 “With limited staff, building internal capability is a key priority. Apart from our very short numbers of staff, we try and work with what we have. So one of the plans is development and capacity building for the technicians, and also networking with experts in the field.”  

“We thought this would be a great opportunity to put her there, and to bring back what she has learned and apply it locally, not only for herself, but as an advocate for quality.”  

Folole’s training is also expected to help alleviate pressure on Samoa’s microbiology services.  

"We only have two staff in microbiology, and with the opportunity of training, we identified Folole as someone who could be a permanent staff in this section and basically would help the existing staff,” Dr Toumoua explained.  

“In attending this training, it gives her much more of an understanding of microbiology work, with the latest technology in detecting any microbial resistance, which is a global problem.”  

The participation of Etuini and Folole in this course is the latest initiative focused on strengthening capacity within Samoa’s laboratory services. It follows the attendance of Patricia Miraneta Vaiaso, a Samoan medical laboratory scientist, at a PPTC haematology training programme held in November 2024, marking continued investment in upskilling Samoa’s medical laboratory workforce.  

The continued investment in training and collaboration efforts such as this reflect NZMTS’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Pacific health systems, by supporting local expertise to respond to current needs while building capacity for the future. The NZMTS is made possible through funding by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with coordination by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group.   

Photo source: PPTC