Israel and Insulin For Life partners with Samoa
Aspecial ceremony has taken place at Samoa’s National Health Services compound to mark the 50th anniversary of Samoa’s independence. H.E. Ambassador Shemi Tzur, Israel’s Ambassador to New Zealand, handed over to the Minister of Health of Samoa, Dr. Leo Tuitama Talalelei, much needed diabetes supplies donated by Insulin for Life Australia.
(L) Samoan Minister of Health Dr Leo Tuitama Talalelei (R) with H.E. Ambassador Shemi Tzur
The donation comprised of 9 blood glucose meters, 1430 blood glucose test strips, 7400 lancets, 34 lancets devices and 3530 insulin syringes. The syringes and insulin pens are less painful and have other advantages than the bigger ones patients may have to use. The test strips and meters are used for diabetes monitoring, including in cases of pregnancy in diabetes where the health of the baby can be directly affected by high glucose levels in the blood.
In his address at the handing over ceremony Ambassador Tzur stated: “This is the second time that the Israeli Government, in conjunction with Insulin for Life, has sent supplies to Samoa. Ambassador Tzur added that in the past (1950-60) diabetes was a common disease also in Israel and with great efforts in Israel, we have managed to impact on the number of people with diabetes, and will be happy to share our knowledge and experience with the people of Samoa.”
Minister of Health Dr. Leo Tuitama Talalelei was most grateful for this donation for his country and said: “the assistance will certainly boost our efforts to better screen, monitor, detect and control the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension”.
“Diabetes is a major problem in the Pacific with high complications and death rates, which are largely preventable” stated President of Insulin for Life Australia and Global, Mr. Ron Raab. Mr. Raab has been active in Pacific diabetes projects since 1980 and is a Past Vice-President of the International Diabetes Federation. Insulin for life has sent supplies to over 80 countries and is currently active in 30. Israel is now supporting similar projects with Insulin for Life in several Pacific Island Nations and Central Asia.
