Washington, D.C. — Two grants for the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH)  will increase data collection and analysis, as well as further COVID vaccination support in American Samoa.

“I am very thankful to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS)  for these awards,” said Aumua Amata. “Any amount of financial support will go a long way in ensuring that our healthcare services continue to improve.”

The first grant, which is part of the US Department of the HHS State Systems Development Initiative, totals $21,100 and will support improvements to maternal and child health by increasing ASDOH’s ability to collect and analyze key data.

The second grant, also from HHS, totals $147,703 and will go towards continued availability of COVID-19 vaccination efforts in American Samoa.

“I congratulate Governor Lemanu, Lt. Governor Talauega, ASDoH Director Motusa Tuileama Nua, and appreciate the efforts of Seiuli Elisapeta Ponausuia, and all the folks at ASDOH who write these grant proposals and continue to get our territory these much-needed resources. I also thank HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra and his department for their continued support for the territory.”