Samoan Healers Collaborate to Safeguard Traditional Knowledge

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 02 September 2026 – Samoan Traditional Healers are collaborating with government agencies to develop a national framework to safeguard traditional healing knowledge passed down through generations.

Representatives from the Traditional Healers Association; Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL); Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS); Ministry of Health (MOH); Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE); Office of the Attorney General; Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and the Ministry of Education and Culture, met today to discuss a way forward.

MCIL Chief Executive Officer, Fepuleai Roger Toleafoa highlighted the important role of traditional healers, describing them as stewards of God’s work.

Dr Taralina Gae’e Atefi said medical doctors receive largely the same curriculum globally, while traditional healers possess knowledge deeply rooted in Samoa’s culture and communities.

Dr Taralina Gae’e Atefi welcomed the re-establishment of the Traditional Healers Society

She said doctors sometimes want to refer patients to traditional healers but do not know where to refer them.

Dr Atefi welcomed the re-establishment of the Traditional Healers Society and suggested developing clear referral pathways so doctors and traditional healers can work alongside each other.

MCIL Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Houlton Fa’asau explained that Samoa is also engaging with international efforts to protect traditional knowledge.

He highlighted the 2024 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, which introduces a mandatory patent disclosure requirement aimed at preventing biopiracy.

MCIL Chief Executive Officer, Fepuleai Roger Toleafoa highlighted the important role of traditional healers.

SROS Bio-Discovery and Molecular Research Division Manager, Funefeai Fiaigoa Malolo, stressed the importance of preserving Samoan language and ancestral knowledge.

Surveys by SROS have documented more than 100 plants in Samoa with potential biological and health-related properties.

The member from MNRE, Czarina Iese Stowers outlined the processes overseas researchers must follow when accessing traditional knowledge and medicinal resources, including requirements under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.

Traditional Healers Association President, Saumalu Teofilo urged authorities to strengthen safeguards against overseas researchers taking traditional knowledge without proper protection or recognition.

The agencies hope stronger systems will protect traditional healers’ rights while allowing traditional knowledge, research and biodiversity work to benefit Samoa and future generations.