Alec Ekeroma. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Tipi Autagavaia
Samoa's director-general of health has urged all delegates to next month's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) with special medical needs and conditions to help, by bringing their usual medications and necessary machines.
More than 3000 delegates are expected in Samoa for the meeting.
Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma told TV1 Samoa he's made the request to ease costs, especially when it comes to procuring specialised medicine and machines.
"We hope they can help as it would help keep our costs down," he said.
Aiono said more than $400,000 tālā (about US$148,000) has been spent on medicine by the Ministry of Health in preparation for CHOGM.
Previously, representatives from high-risk countries were advised to get vaccinated against mpox.
The Samoa Observer reported paramedics from New Zealand will be in Samoa to support local personnel in hosting the biggest conference the nation has ever held.
Six ambulances from the St. John's Brigade New Zealand will be on standby in various venues and accommodation.
CHOGM co-chair for the Health and Emergency Sub-Committee, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga, said there are enough ambulances to go around to the venues and accommodation and still have one to respond to the general public.
He noted 14 venues and accommodation in total and as a requirement from the Commonwealth, each site needs to have an ambulance, a clinic and required medical personnel.
"There are 16 ambulances and 14 will be stationed at the venues; another ambulance will be with the motorcade which means we are prepared in terms of resources and vehicles," he said.
In addition to the local doctors, the United States Army Reserves doctors and medical personnel will assist at the medical clinics and hospitals.