Handover of dengue intervention kits for Fugalei and Savalalo Market in Upolu, Samoa by the UN Women’s Markets for Change (M4C) project and with the support from the Government of Australia. Photo: UN Women/Marlene Mulipola
Upolu,Samoa-In a major step forward for public health in Samoa, the UN Women’s Markets for Change (M4C) project, with support from the Government of Australia, completed two handovers of dengue intervention products to market vendors.
The first handover took place on Tuesday 26th August at the ACC Fugalei and MAF Savalalo Markets, followed by the second on Tuesday 2nd September at the MLS Salelologa Market in Savaii.
Dengue poses a real challenge in Samoa, especially for market vendors who spend their days in bustling, open environments. Recognizing this, the #M4C program, with DFAT’s support, provided essential items to empower vendors with the tools to protect themselves and their communities from mosquito-borne diseases.
The distributed materials, valued at USD$45,000 included mosquito nets, repellents, aerosols, rubbish bags, disposable masks, and gloves. These resources equip vendors to better protect themselves and their communities from mosquito-borne illnesses.
Talaleu Ah Kuoi, Secretary of the MAF Savalalo Market Vendors Association, shared, “This support means we can continue our work with confidence, knowing our families and customers are safer.”
HE Claire McGeechan, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa, reaffirmed Australia’s commitment, “We are fortunate to be able to pivot our support to respond to emerging crises that are ravaging communities in Samoa, through the Markets for Change program.”
UN Women Samoa Country Programme Coordinator, Papalii Mele Maualaivao, emphasized the broader impact, “Protecting women vendors is not just a health issue. It is a socio-economic imperative. Empowering these women means protecting livelihoods and enhancing resilience.”
The #M4C project promotes gender equality through the economic empowerment of women market vendors in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It brings together governments, market vendors and market vendor associations, civil society organizations and UN agencies. M4C Phase II is implemented by UN Women Pacific in partnership with UNDP in Samoa, Cook Islands, Tokelau & Niue and the Government of Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade together with the Government of Samoa.