The Samoa Cancer Society has recently run a radio promotion and have developed important educational brochures to raise awareness of the human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer in Samoa.  The brochures are available in Samoan and in English and are being distributed as part of the Samoa Cancer Society’s outreach programme into medical clinics and workplaces. 

This programme has been made possible with funding support from the Government of Samoa's Civil Society Support Programme. Other aid donors such as NZ and Australia are also part of this programme. The Society's VAVE campaign promotes three key messages for the cancer campaign, Vave iloa (early detection), Vave Vaai se fomai (quickly see a doctor) and Vave vili mai (call quickly).

 The Society is also working in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Culture and Social Development and their UNFPA programme to support community outreach into villages.  These two partnerships have been very effective, with over 2,000 women now having been engaged as part of the programme.  The Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Cancer Society said of the radio campaign, ‘we ran the radio ad over a three month period, which proved to be quite effective in bringing women forward for enquires and check-ups’. This work is planned to continue, with an advertisement for television also currently being developed.

Click here for the Samoan Cancer Society cervical cancer brochure in English

Click here for the Samoan Cancer Society cervical cancer brochure in Samoan

Click here to hear the Samoan Cancer Society radio advertisement

Click here to link to the Samoa Cancer Society website

Click here to link to the Samoa Cancer Society facebook page