Institution: University of Hawaii at Manhoa
Geographic Location of Participants: Hawaii and Guam

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is increasing COVID-19 testing among Pacific Islanders in Guam and Hawaii as well as researching infection patterns in those communities. Project leaders and community partners will also develop and evaluate culturally specific materials and community engagement strategies to be distributed in the native languages of Pacific Islander communities.

The work is led by a partnership called Puipuia le Ola, a Samoan phrase for “protecting life.” Puipuia le Ola brings together universities (University of Hawaii Manoa and the University of Guam), health centers, Hawaii public housing authority, the American Samoa government, non-profits, and multiple community-based organizations and churches.

Pacific Islanders represent only 10% of Hawaii’s population but account for nearly 30% of COVID-19 cases and 20% of all COVID-19 deaths. Pacific Islanders are also more likely to have health conditions that can worsen COVID-19 symptoms. They may have less access to health care, may not have health insurance, and are more likely to live in multi-generation households and work essential or service jobs that increase their risk of getting the virus.

“This grant provides a rare but much-needed opportunity for community-based organizations which serve Pacific Islanders in Hawaii and Guam to have the resources to collaborate in health education and outreach to increase COVID-19 testing uptake,” said Angela Sy, one of the project’s leaders. Read more here.