Samoa’s Ayres Ava on attack against the Cook Islands during the OFC 2024 Under-16 Women's Championship in Fiji. Photo: Kirk Corrie / Phototek.nz
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) 2025 Under-16 Women's Championship scheduled to kick off in Apia on Friday will go ahead despite the current dengue fever outbreak in the country.
In a statement sent to RNZ Pacific, the OFC it was closely monitoring the situation.
"OFC is working in collaboration with Samoa Football and local health authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all participants," it said.
"As a precaution, all competition venues have been fumigated, and OFC is providing mosquito repellent to players, team staff, and officials," the OFC said.
"A comprehensive tournament health protocol is in place, which includes preventative advice and guidance for all attending delegations. The health and safety of everyone involved remains our top priority."
The Samoa National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) said on Tuesday that they are continuing with the national dengue fever fumigation campaign across schools.
Schools have been closed while the fumigation work continues.
A total of 102 schools were fumigated on Monday as part of the nationwide dengue prevention effort.
Samoa Football Federation (SFA) said it had taken measures to ensure players and officials participating in the tournament were not affected by the dengue fever outbreak.
A statement from SFA said officials have worked with hotels that will house teams to assess their preparedness for safeguarding guests.
"In light of the recent dengue fever outbreak in Samoa, we proactively visited each hotel where our team will be staying over the weekend to assess their preparedness for safeguarding guests against this health concern," it stated on Monday.
"We were pleased to discover that the hotels have implemented several comprehensive measures.
"They have already conducted thorough spraying to eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds, each room is equipped with repellent, ensuring guests have easy access to protection while they relax.
"Hand sanitisers will be readily available throughout the premises, promoting good hygiene practices and the hotels are committed to maintaining a clean and safe environment, offering peace of mind to everyone staying with them.
"These proactive steps reflect a strong commitment to guest safety and well-being during our visit."
Eight teams will compete in the competition, including Fiji, American Samoa, Samoa, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Tahiti, Solomon Islands and Tonga.
