A summit on non-communicable diseases between the two Samoas has been told up to date information is vital.
Since 2010 Samoa and American Samoa have met each year to review the rate of NCDs in each country to discuss response plans and to draw up policies to combat the lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
The summit brings together medical personnel, community leaders and politicians.
Samoa's prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi gave the keynote address and says concrete, accurate and up to date data is most important.
"Information is a cross cutting tool for our development. I see up to date and credible information for better informed policy and decision making [as] an urgent priority."
Samoa's Ministry of Health has launched a programme to combat obesity. Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia