A new 10,000 Toes mobile health van will take diabetes prevention, health education and screening directly to communities across Samoa.
Funded through the 10,000 Toes Campaign, the van will be used in urban and rural communities across the islands of Upolu and Savai‘i.
10,000 Toes Campaign coordinator Pamela Townend said the van would enable trained ambassadors to take health services to people where they live, work, worship and gather, rather than relying on people to attend clinics or organised events.
“This van is much more than a vehicle,” Mrs Townend said. “It is a mobile health hub that will allow our ambassadors to go where the people are, bringing education, hope, screening and support directly into communities across Samoa.
“It represents our ongoing commitment to reducing the impact of diabetes and improving health outcomes throughout the Pacific.”
Samoa and Tokelau Mission health director Ben Tofilau said the van would support the Church’s response to the significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Samoa, with a particular emphasis on prevention.
“For us, the van is an important tool to help the Mission fulfil its health mission as the ‘right arm of the gospel’,” he said. “It will help us place greater focus on prevention and address some of the major health challenges in Samoa, particularly non-communicable diseases.”
The van will travel throughout the Mission’s nine zones—six on Upolu and three on Savai‘i—and will be used for health training, exercise programs, healthy cooking demonstrations and other community outreach activities.
It will also support follow-up activities arising from health screenings conducted as part of the recent Samoa for Christ evangelistic campaign.
Mr Tofilau said one of the Mission’s goals is for every local church to become a health and medical hub, providing health education and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
“Samoa is facing a major health crisis, and we believe the Church has an important role to play—not only in helping our members live healthier lives, but also in supporting the wider community,” he said.
“By focusing on prevention and early intervention, we hope to contribute to reducing the burden of NCDs and, in turn, help reduce the significant costs of overseas medical treatment.”
Mrs Townend said the van will strengthen the ability of the 10,000 Toes ambassadors to engage directly with communities, including those who may have limited access to health services or health promotion activities.
“The van will allow the 10,000 Toes team to expand its reach, raise awareness, provide education, and encourage early screening and lifestyle changes that can help prevent diabetes and its complications,” she added.
