Amata Welcomes $255,100 CDC Grant for Vaccine-Preventable Disease Prevention

September 14, 2026 Press Release Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming notice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that the American Samoa Department of Health (ASDOH) has been awarded a $255,100 federal grant through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen vaccine-preventable disease prevention and response efforts in American Samoa. The $255,100 award, through the CDC's Strengthening Vaccine-Preventable Disease Prevention and Response program, will support the American Samoa Department of Health's ongoing efforts to prevent, monitor, and respond to vaccine-preventable diseases and strengthen public health protections throughout the territory. "This is an important part of protecting the health and well-being of our people, especially our children and families," said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. "Thank you to Yolanda Masunu as we welcome this federal investment in our Health Department. We appreciate all our health professionals working to strengthen disease prevention and protect our communities." The CDC's vaccine-preventable disease programs support public health departments in strengthening immunization efforts, disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and response systems to help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable illnesses. "Thank you to HHS and CDC for continuing to support the public health programs we rely on in American Samoa," concluded Congresswoman Amata. "Congratulations to our Department of Health, Health Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, and everyone involved in securing or working with these federal resources for our territory." ### Issues : Healthcare