Samoa has taken initiative to address a national health crisis through its Cost of the Diet (CotD) Analysis launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, which sheds light on the long standing issues of malnutrition and widespread obesity.
The report provides valuable evidence to help inform Government policy and decision-making processes as the new Administration commits to addressing Samoa’s health issues face-on.
The CotD Analysis highlights a triple burden of malnutrition in Samoa.
There is widespread obesity – linked to increased risk of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and these coexist with under-nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
With nearly 80 percent of women classified as obese and over 70 percent of deaths linked to NCDs, the country’s nutrition crisis is exacerbated by a shift from traditional diets to imported, ultra-processed foods.
The Analysis highlights how these long existing factors, combined with rising food prices, have made healthy diets increasingly difficult to access. Findings shows that while most households can afford a basic energy-only diet – over 40% cannot afford a nutritious one.
A nutritious diet costs more than four times as much, and if made entirely from local foods, it is twice as expensive as one with imported items.
The findings highlight the need to strengthen local food systems and align agriculture, health, education, and trade policies.
Samoa’s Minister of Agriculture, Fuimaono Maiava Tito Asafo, says the Report sheds light on the real cost of achieving a healthy diet in Samoa, and the challenges that households face in accessing nutritious foods.
“The Report has valuable information to inform an actionable response from Government to address the health issues and the need to bridge the economic gap,” says the Minister.
“It highlights the opportunities to strengthen our agriculture and food systems to better meet the needs of our communities.”
The Minister says the analysis is timely as Samoa continues to confront multiple challenges, including the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, vulnerabilities to climate change, and the pressures of global market fluctuations.
“The analysis report helps to identify the gaps between what is affordable and what is nutritious, so we can now move forward in efforts to strengthen local food production, and incorporate nutrition-sensitive approaches to our agriculture, health, and social protection strategies.”
Samoa acknowledged with gratitude the technical support of the World Food Programme (WFP) in undertaking the analysis, and the contributions of all national stakeholders involved.
The Report recommends that a coordinated, multisectoral approach is essential to ensure all Samoans have access to affordable, nutritious diets.
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Tuiloma Lemalu Sina Retzlaff is a Certified Accountant and Accredited Mediator by profession. She founded Pacific Global Solutions, a consultancy firm specialising in Governance, Strategy, Team Capability and Professional Development. She has over 20 years experience in Governance having served on the Boards of SQA, CBS, NUS, SBH, Samoa Housing, Teen Challenge and Samoa Rugby Union. She is the author of short story; Unborn Child.
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