The Samoan Cabinet has appointed Leausa Take Naseri as the chief executive of the newly merged Health Ministry and Health Services.
Dr Naseri, who is a practising medical doctor, is currently the Director General of Health.
Leausa Take Naseri Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavai Tipi Autagavai
In that role he has led the re-organisation of the health system, placing an emphasis on prevention, research and population health.
In a statement the cabinet said the merger strengthens an emphasis on patient-focused care and population health, targeting the decentralising of health resources to communities and grassroots' levels.