The Ministry of Health in Samoa says low immunisation coverage is a main contributing factor to the measles fatalities recorded so far since the epidemic was declared two weeks ago.
Compared to Tonga, Fiji and American Samoa, which are also on the measles epidemic mode, neither of the three countries have reported any measles related or confirmed deaths.
However, the six measles confirmed deaths mostly children under 2 years old so far in Samoa is attracting attention and questions about the performance of the Health Sector to enforce preventative measures prior to the epidemic.
Director General of Health Leausa Dr Take Naseri at a press conference Thursday acknowledged that it is unfortunate and sad that lives have been taken. However, the fact remains the young children who died were unvaccinated.
And he disagrees with suggestions that authorities are downplaying the impact of the epidemic noting that the data will disagree.
“The problem started in 2008-2009 only 41% of the population were immunised so if by now only 66% of the population has been immunised, then 1/3 of the population is vulnerable to the virus which includes the 6 confirmed deaths,” said Leausa.
The Director General noted that Tonga, Fiji and American Samoa’s immunization coverage are in the 90% neighbourhood but not Samoa.
And to add further complication the recent deaths of two children in Safotu Savaii further hampered the drive with parents losing faith in the immunisation program.
The vaccination programme is not compulsory and depends entirely on the freedom of choice by parents to have their children vaccinated, he explained.
And he reiterated that that the low coverage is a reflection on parents neglecting their responsibilities.
At the same time, Leausa predicts that the worst has yet to come noting that with the number of cases and deaths reported coupled with the poor vaccination coverage, he is anticipating the “worst to come.”
“The way it is going now and the poor coverage, we are anticipating the worst to come,” said Leausa at the press conference.
As of this week, 716 clinically suspected measles cases have been reported. 98 are admitted at the Motootua National Hospital with 15 admitted with the Intensive Care Unit.
Twenty-nine measles patients are admitted in District Hospitals around the country.
The old Emergency and Outpatient Ward at Motootua has been turned into a makeshift isolation facility to accommodate those severely affected and as well the expected increasing numbers.
The public is advised to utilise private medical clinics to avoid contracting the virus when they come to the hospital.
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