Leausa Dr Take Naseri

TV1Samoa reports Leausa Dr Take Naseri gave the warning during the weekly Ministry of Health educational programme.

Leausa said the Ministry was concerned people are focused on Covid-19 and neglecting other necessary vaccinations for children that were available at hospitals around the country.

Photo file  Caption:  Samoa Director of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri 

Leausa Dr Take Naseri told reporters in the first pandemic press conference since March, that the government was not sitting around idly despite Samoa still being Covid-19 free.

Leausa revealed that a site was being prepared near the old Tafa'igata prison in case there was a local outbreak of the coronavirus which led to mass casualties.

He also said a second outbreak of the coronavirus in New Zealand was closely being monitored and the government was working on the possibility of new measures to protect the borders.

In an interview with Tala Fou TV1 Samoa, Leausa said they have to improve coverage and if people are unsure whether their children are vaccinated then they should get them vaccinated.

There have been 3 deaths related to measles, 15 confirmed cases and 314 suspected cases of measles since an epidemic was declared in Samoa early October..

Leausa said the ministry had to modify operations including closing some General Outpatient services to mobilise staff to focus on the epidemic.

Samoa Cabinet at its meeting Tuesday approved Dr Naseri’s appointment.

Four applicants were interviewed for the position and the panel upon their meticulous assessment of each of the applicants’ merits recommended Dr. Naseri to the post.

Dr Naseri holds a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Queensland, Australia and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Papua New Guinea.

Both offices have been separate for a decade but it's been announced they'll combine again at the end of the month.

The Director General of Health, Leausa Dr Take Naseri, said the separation had resulted in many difficulties for the running of the health service.

The editor of the Samoa Observer newspaper, Mata'afa Keni Lesa, said it was never a very good idea in the first place.