Mobile audiology outreach trailer ready to hit the road in Samoa

Access to hearing screening and specialist medical treatment for people living with disability in rural communities in Samoa has just been given a major boost. The Ministry of Health and the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Unit at Tapua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital in Apia, Samoa have received a mobile audiology trailer as part of the RACS Global Health, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) funded Samoa Hearing Program. This project falls under the broader Australian Government investment in the Samoan Disability Partnership Project, implemented by the Samoan Ministry of Women, Social and Community Development (MWSCD) in collaboration with a range of local community-based organisations, including those for people with disabilities.

As part of their commitment to supporting the hearing services component of the project, led by the head of the TTM ENT unit Dr Sione Pifeleti and RACS Global Health, the MWSCD donated a new Ford Ranger truck. The truck will tow the audiology trailer as part of the hearing services outreach program to rural areas of Samoa.

Samoa Hearing program audiology trailer and truck.

Photo credit: MWSCD

The handover took place in the first week of June 2021 to coincide with the launch of the community sector development plan and policies, including the national policies for persons with disabilities. The celebrations and presentations by the MWSCD and Ministry of Health reaffirmed the importance of providing early intervention for people with hearing impairments, improving their chances at participating in education and work opportunities.

Caretaker Minister and retired Cabinet Minister Dr Leao Talalelei Tuitama said the new truck and trailer will enable specialist medical services to offer ENT and audiology checks in rural communities. This was highlighted in a review of the current MWSCD community sector plan, after receiving feedback from stakeholders like Nuanua o le Alofa (NOLA) on the need to promote and support people living with a disability.

Ministry of Health Director-General, Leauasa Dr Take Naseri complimented the audiology trailer. He said people living with disabilities will be offered the services by TTM Hospital’s medical specialists, local community organisations, and schools. “We have lots of people with ear problems and it links to sore throat and also to rheumatic fever,” he said. “The purpose of this truck and trailer is to provide services to assist and support people with disabilities in rural areas, but we also offer support to anyone here in town or anywhere else in Samoa.”

Samoan dancers celebrating the handover of the trailer and vehicle and launch of the new community sector plan.

Photo credit: MWSCD

RACS Global Health and the Samoa Hearing Program will continue to support the development of hearing services over the next few years. A full audiology suite will be installed at TTM Hospital when travel restrictions ease. The Primary Ear Health Care training and hearing aid fitting will be rolled out to doctors, nurses, and community workers in the next six months.