American Samoa Department of Health Awarded $250,000 to Combat Zika

Washington, D.C. –Monday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, was informed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that the department will provide $742,000 to health centers in American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands to assist in local efforts to combat the Zika virus.

“I am pleased that our federal officials are acting quickly to combat the virus,” said Amata. “American Samoa has been hit particularly hard when compared to the other states and territories, and I will continue to work with (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell, and other federal officials, to ensure that our local health administration has the tools it needs to stop the spread of the virus any further,” continued the Congresswoman.

These funds will be used to expand preventive and primary care services, outreach, and patient education and screening. The three health centers and their 12 delivery sites in American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands served nearly 26,000 patients in 2014, including more than 6,000 women age 15 to 45.

“We are working to learn as much about the Zika virus as we can, as quickly as we can, and make sure the public is informed about the steps they can take to minimize their risk, as well as the risk to their families and communities, of getting Zika.” said Secretary Burwell. “Our goal is to reduce the risk of Zika virus, especially among pregnant women and women of childbearing age. We are taking the necessary steps now, like today’s funding announcement to support Zika preparedness and response efforts.”

More than 50 cases of Zika have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and that number is expected to rise. Scientists at CDC have concluded, after careful review of existing evidence, that Zika virus can cause microcephaly and other potentially severe fetal brain defects. Zika virus infection during pregnancy has also been linked to fetal death and other adverse birth outcomes.

“These additional funds will allow the health centers in the territories to go even further in response to the Zika threat,” said Amata. “The good health of our people is at the top of my priorities, and this virus must be dealt with swiftly. I want to thank Secretary Burwell and HHS for their fast action on the issue and look forward to seeing real progress made soon,” concluded Amata.

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