Health care in Tokelau

The health care system in Tokelau is operated by the health department. Each of the three atolls of Tokelau has a hospital which works as part of the Western Samoa region to provide primary health care to the community.[1][2][3]

In Tokelau, skin infections, influenza, gastro-enteritis and upper respiratory tract infections are common, and the major causes of death are pneumonia, heart disease and cancer. In recent years diabetes and gout has increased, attributed to the reliance on imported Western foods (such as sugar, flour, rice and potatoes), and the resultant declining healthy lifestyles with approximately half of the adult population smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and a high incidence of obesity. The change in dietary trends has also seen a decline in dental health in Tokelau.[1]

The health services has a Director of Health based in Apia and a Chief Clinical Advisor who moves from atoll to atoll as required to assist the doctors attached to each hospital. In 2007 there was not always a doctor on each island and locums were appointed to fill the big gaps. Upcoming Tokelauan medical graduates are believed to be alleviating this shortage.[1][2]