Viopapa Annandale-Atherton facts for kids

Viopapa Annandale-Atherton was a very important doctor from Samoa. She was known for helping women and children in the Pacific Islands stay healthy. She also made history as the first Pacific Island woman to finish university in New Zealand. She lived from 1940 to 2024.

Her Early Life and Schooling

Viopapa Annandale-Atherton was born in Apia, Samoa, in 1940. Her parents were Edward Annandale and Sina Nelson. She was a bright student and earned a scholarship. This allowed her to study at Epsom Girls' Grammar School. Later, she went to the University of Otago. In 1964, she earned her medical degree there.

Her Work as a Doctor

After finishing her studies, Dr. Annandale-Atherton moved to Edinburgh, Scotland. There, she worked as a house surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. She also studied at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. In 1976, she received a special diploma in Tropical Health.

Helping Health Organizations

Dr. Annandale-Atherton was involved with many health groups. She served on a special committee for the World Health Organization (WHO). From 1971 to 1982, she led Samoa's department for mothers and children's health. She also helped start a school for children with special needs in 1979. In 1994, she joined a Samoan group that looked into family violence and human rights. She was also the president of Soroptimist International of Samoa.

In 1982, after living in both the United Kingdom and Samoa, she returned to Samoa for good. She opened her own doctor's office there.

Improving Health in the Pacific

Dr. Annandale-Atherton worked hard to make life better for women and children in the Pacific Islands. She helped get money from groups like USAID and the EU. This money supported projects for women and children. She also started family planning services and vaccination programs in Samoa. She was very active in the Pan-Pacific and South East Asian Women's Association. She was even its international president from 2004 to 2010.

Awards and Special Titles

In 2019, the University of Otago gave Dr. Annandale-Atherton a special award. It was an Honorary Doctorate of Law. This award recognized her amazing work and achievements.

She also received a special Samoan chiefly title, Papali'i. This title was given to her by Malietoa Tanumafili II, who was the head of state of Samoa. It was given to her for all her services to the country.

Her Family Life

Dr. Annandale-Atherton's great-grandfather was Thomas Annandale. He was a professor of surgery in Scotland. Her grandfather was a well-known Samoan businessman and politician, Ta'isi Olaf Frederick Nelson.

She met her husband, John Atherton, in Edinburgh. They got married there in 1965 and had two sons. Her father-in-law was Noel Atherton.

Viopapa Annandale-Atherton passed away in Samoa on November 4, 2024.