Introduction:
Kidney disease is a growing health concern in Samoa, a nation with a population of over 200,000. Since the establishment of the National Kidney Foundation of Samoa (NKFS) in 2005, the organization has been at the forefront of providing renal care, particularly haemodialysis services, to patients across the country. As the prevalence of kidney disease continues to rise, NKFS has expanded its services to include not only dialysis but also prevention, awareness, and local workforce development.
Methods:
NKFS has implemented a comprehensive approach to renal care, combining clinical services with community outreach. The Foundation provides maintenance haemodialysis to 196 patients as of June 30, 2023, and acute dialysis to 80 patients with Acute Kidney Injury since 2015. In addition to these services, NKFS runs a screening program focused on early detection and prevention of kidney disease in community settings, including remote villages. The NKFS also emphasizes the development of local medical, nursing, and technical expertise, supported by an overseas expert advisory team, to ensure sustainable service delivery.
Results:
Since its inception, NKFS has treated a total of 625 patients with haemodialysis, with an average increase of 35 new patients annually. The Foundation's shift towards prevention and awareness has yielded significant achievements in slowing the progression of kidney dysfunction. This proactive approach, along with the ongoing development of a self-care philosophy for patient participation in treatment, the introduction of Peritoneal Dialysis Services, exploration of overseas kidney transplant options, and enhancement of palliative care, has positioned NKFS as a leader in renal care in the Pacific region. However, the growing number of patients has placed considerable financial pressure on the national health budget.
Conclusions:
Providing these speciality services in a remote Pacific Island is challenging but NKFS made significant progress in changing lives and making a difference in Samoa.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.