In Samoa, a nation made up of multiple islands, access to healthcare has long been a serious challenge. In addition to geographical barriers, shortages of medical facilities and equipment—and, above all, a lack of medical professionals—mean that not everyone is able to receive adequate treatment and care.
To address these issues, Lumanai Samoa works not only to strengthen the healthcare system, but also to enhance preventive healthcare, which focuses on preventing illness through improvements in everyday lifestyle habits. Through these efforts, we aim to improve the Quality of Life (QOL) of the people of Samoa.
Lumanai Samoa’s medical support programs contribute to achieving SDG Goal 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages,” through the following initiatives:
- Promoting accurate knowledge and daily practices of preventive dental care in Samoa
- Contributing to the improvement of skills and expertise of Samoan dentists and dental hygienists
- Promoting people-to-people exchange between Samoa and Japan through dental healthcare support
Saipipi Village Tooth Decay Prevention Project
Our Representative, Dr. Urasaki, has worked on the front lines of dental care for many years. Drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience, he has collaborated with local dentists since 2013 to implement fluoride mouth-rinsing programs in primary schools across Samoa.
As a result, by 2018, dental caries were almost completely eliminated among children at schools where the fluoride mouth-rinsing program was implemented. In the same year, the project area was expanded, and looking ahead, we aim to work in collaboration with the Samoa Ministry of Health to extend this preventive initiative nationwide.
For those who would like to learn more about our dental activities in Samoa, please also see the following article:
Lumanai Samoa Dental Activities Overview (October 2025)
Periodontal Treatment Skills Enhancement Project for Dentists
In 2018, Dr. Urasaki donated periodontal treatment equipment to Tuasivi National Hospital on Savai‘i Island and provided training in periodontal treatment techniques to the hospital’s dentists and dental hygienists.
Periodontal disease is known not only to increase the risk of conditions such as cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, and bronchitis, but also to raise the risk of premature birth in women. It is also considered a complication of diabetes. Given the high prevalence of diabetes in Samoa, periodontal disease represents a significant but often overlooked health issue.
In 2019, Board Member Dr. Furuse joined the initiative. Together, they continue to work toward improving the technical skills of Samoan dental professionals and enhancing the overall Quality of Life (QOL) of the people of Samoa.
