American Samoa's LBJ Hospital has opened a chronic kidney disease clinic as it tries to reduce the high rate of the disease and diabetes in the territory.
LBJ hospital, American Samoa Photo: RNZI
The hospital's chief executive, Faumuina John Faumuina, said they have asked the Pacific Islands Health Officers Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to survey the extent of kidney disease and make recommendations.
Faumuina said they have said not to worry about those already needing dialysis but to concentrate on those who are just starting to suffer from kidney disease.
Faumuina said the staff involved in the clinc, such as nutritionists, pharmacists, doctors and nurses are volunteering their time to tend to patients.
He is optimistic the clinic will help slow down the fast spread of diabetes and kidney disease in American Samoa.