Measles outbreak in Samoa

I have a personal connection to Samoa as a second generation New Zealander of Samoan heritage. It is heartbreaking to hear that the current measles epidemic has already claimed the lives of 70 people, mostly young children under the age of 4.

The impact on families and communities is particularly hard. Thanks to a concerted effort on the part of the Samoan Government and a country wide vaccination scheme, it is estimated that close to 90% of the population are now vaccinated. However there is still a lot to be done. Schools and businesses have been severely affected by mandatory closures in order to prevent the spread of this disease. People are in desperate need of every day supplies including hygiene products.

The aim of this appeal is to raise funds so that hygiene products can be purchased and delivered to those in need. I will be travelling to Samoa in January and plan to personally purchase these supplies. They will be delivered to the Samoa Red Cross who are best placed to ensure distribution of these items goes to those in most need. These items will be purchased in country to aid the local economy and to ensure 100% of the funds raised goes into the purchase of items with none being wasted on postage.

I plan to share photos on this page and on social media showing the items that have been purchased and the delivery to the Red Cross and recipients receiving items.