Samoa Implements Health Measures Amid Dengue Outbreak for OFC U16 Women's Championship

In light of a significant dengue fever outbreak, Samoa Football Federation (SFA) has implemented stringent health measures to ensure the safety of players and officials participating in the upcoming Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) 2025 Under-16 Women's Championship in Apia. The tournament is set to commence on Friday, with eight teams competing, including local favorites Samoa and regional representatives from Fiji, American Samoa, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Solomon Islands, and Tonga.

The SFA has proactively collaborated with hotels designated for team accommodations to assess their readiness to safeguard guests against the ongoing health crisis. According to an official statement from the SFA, hotel management has undertaken comprehensive measures to combat the dengue threat. This includes thorough fumigation efforts to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites, the provision of insect repellent in guest rooms, and the availability of hand sanitizers throughout hotel premises to promote hygiene practices.

"In light of the recent dengue fever outbreak in Samoa, we proactively visited each hotel where our team will be staying over the weekend to assess their preparedness for safeguarding guests against this health concern," the statement read. The federation expressed satisfaction with the hotels' commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment for all participants.

The current dengue outbreak has prompted widespread concern across Samoa, with local media outlet Taumua Online reporting approximately 16,000 confirmed cases. This alarming figure has led to the temporary closure of schools this week. In response, the government has intensified fumigation operations in schools and other high-risk areas as part of a nationwide dengue control initiative. Additionally, a national cleanup campaign was mobilized last Saturday, encouraging communities to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds in their neighborhoods.

Dr. Tito Kamu, Deputy Director of the Pediatric Ward at Tupua Tamasese Meaole (TTM) Hospital, confirmed that dengue cases continue to rise, particularly among children aged 1 to 15 years. The hospital has taken measures to manage the influx of patients, calling in additional public health doctors and senior medical staff to assist in treatment efforts.

As preparations for the OFC Under-16 Women's Championship continue, the federation remains in close communication with the OFC, which is expected to provide teams with updates regarding the current health risks and ongoing situation in Samoa. The proactive measures taken by the SFA reflect a strong commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants during this challenging time.

The tournament, set against the backdrop of a public health crisis, underscores the importance of health safety protocols in sporting events and the resilience of communities coming together to combat health threats. As the teams prepare to compete, the focus remains not only on athletic performance but also on the collective responsibility to safeguard public health amidst ongoing challenges.