NZ fundraiser for Samoa measles victims

NZ fundraiser for Samoa measles victims

Radio New Zealand·2019-11-23 06:55

A fundraiser has been launched in New Zealand to help families affected by the measles epidemic in Samoa.The father Tu'ivale Luamanuvae of Lauli'i Village beside the grave of his three children who died of measles Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi AutagavaiaThe outbreak has so far killed at least 20 people. One couple have lost three of their five children.A mass vaccination campaign is underway, pregnant women are barred from work, travel restrictions have been placed between the two main islands and public gatherings are restricted under a state of emergency.Chair of Auckland's Pacific Leadership Forum, Teleiai Edwin Puni, said the outbreak was taking a toll on affected families and help was needed."The crisis is not just with the vaccinations, the medical side but there is also the mental and social impact," he said."This is something we know very well with our experience of the tsunami in Samoa 10 years ago."

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