Measles epidemic

Cook Islands donates to Samoa Measles Response Fund

Prime Minister Henry Tuakeu Puna presented, on behalf of the People of the Cook Islands, a cheque for SAT$148,045 to assist the Government of Samoa with its response to the measles epidemic.

The official presentation was held at the Samoa Fale in Mangere, Auckland Friday.

The High Commissioner of Samoa, Leasi Papali’i Scanlan received the Cook Islands donation on behalf of the Government of Samoa.

Samoa measles epidemic slows down

The people of Samoa through social media and word of mouth are spreading the exciting news and at the same time offering prayers of thanksgiving and further protection against the highly contagious .

In a report issued by the Health, 30 new cases reported between December 29, 2019 and  January 5, 2020.

The Health confirmed a cumulative total of 5,697 measles cases reported to the Disease Surveillance Team since the outbreak began.

ASA Foundation helps two families of measles fatalities in Samoa

The Foundation presented two coffins for a father from Leauvaa and a child from Apia who died in the past week.

The organisation also helped pay for Sefo’s Funeral Services as part of its measles Samoa Fund Appeal.

According to a member of the foundation, Tuala Tagaloa Tusani, their help and thoughts are always with the Samoan people.

“Our money or anything we’re giving may not be able to bring their deceased members back but our group is always thinking of them.”

Samoa's govt warns of psychological toll from measles epidemic

Seiulialii Dr George Leao Tuitama has told the Observer the unit had been working behind the scenes and so far had seen more than 600 families.

"For those personally affected, by loss of a family member, or watching their loved one in the hospital, this epidemic has pushed many people's coping mechanisms to the breaking point," he said.

The psychosocial support group at the mental health unit was actively reaching out to provide assistance, he said.

Seiulialii said the team was providing both emotional and spiritual support.

Samoa's govt warns of psychological toll from measles epidemic

Seiulialii Dr George Leao Tuitama has told the Observer the unit had been working behind the scenes and so far had seen more than 600 families.

"For those personally affected, by loss of a family member, or watching their loved one in the hospital, this epidemic has pushed many people's coping mechanisms to the breaking point," he said.

The psychosocial support group at the mental health unit was actively reaching out to provide assistance, he said.

Seiulialii said the team was providing both emotional and spiritual support.

ASG donates US$304,208 to Samoa

American Samoa Government Lolo Matalasi Letalu Moliga with his Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga presented the donation to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi in a brief ceremony in the territory..

In accepting the gift, Prime Minister Tuilaepa extended the Government and Samoa's humble appreciation for the territory's humanitarian generosity.

Accompanying the Prime Minister was his Minister of ICT Afamasaga Rico Tupai and senior government officials.

Photo supplied Govt media      

No measles deaths for past five days in Samoa

The death toll since the epidemic began in October is 81.

Meanwhile the government announced on Saturday it had cancelled the state of emergency it issued six weeks ago.

The government says it'd approved a state of recovery to begin immediately, with a plan expected for the cabinet's consideration in two weeks.

The Ministry of Health said there had now been 5,667 measles cases reported since the outbreak started, with an additional 12 in the past 24 hours.

45 people remain in hospital, including nine critically ill children and one adult in intensive care.

95% vaccination rate, no new fatalities in Samoa measles epidemic

There were 21 new cases however, no new fatalities were reported in the last 24 hours.  

The death toll remains at 81.

The Ministry of Health confirmed a total of 5,655 measles cases have been reported to the Disease Surveillance Team, since the outbreak started.

There are currently 46 measles cases who are in-patients at all health facilities.

Nine children are critically ill in ICU/HDU and one pregnant woman is admitted in hospital..

The total number of measles cases admitted to all hospitals recorded for the outbreak to date is 1,844.

Samoa lifts Measles State of Emergency

Cabinet has also approved the State of Recovery for Samoa to commence immediately.

The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are tasked with the preparations of the Recovery Plan to be tabled for Cabinet’s consideration in a fortnight.

No new measles deaths in Samoa in past 24 hours

The death toll since the outbreak began in October was 81, the ministry said, with the two most recent deaths officially reported on Christmas and Boxing Day.

A total of 5634 measles cases has been reported so far, with 22 in the past day.

The number of people with measles being admitted to hospital in Samoa has fallen, with 46 in-patients, including nine children in intensive care.

As of Christmas Day, about 95 percent of all eligible people in Samoa had been vaccinated against measles.