The Samoa Victim Support Group has announced assistance for over 800 of its members as families grapple with the impact of the deadly measles epidemic.

The Group’s Patron, Tuisugaletaua Sofara Aveau, announced the support in a press conference on Wednesday and said the goal of their assistance is to prioritise prevention methods against measles.

He said families living in the Vaimauga and Faleata districts will be the first recipients of their support. 

“We have 900 S.V.S.G. members in Samoa but the support will firstly focus on families living in Vaimauga and Faleata districts. We want our S.V.S.G. members to know that they have not been abandoned, they are in our thoughts,” he said. 

“The significance of our mission is to provide supplies that are greatly needed by families but especially give supplies that will be used as prevention measures. The measles disease has so many contributing factors that lead to spreading the disease, we try and help families understand and provide supplies to better prepare them.”

The Group will begin the distribution of the supplies this weekend according to Tuisugaletaua, who said the supplies comes courtesy of kind donors, who responded to their request for support.

Tuisugaletaua added that hygiene is important and families need to live in a healthy environment. 

“In these difficult times that our country faces, we must persevere, be persistent and not give up easily, we as a people are strong, and we can handle challenges. Health has given us advice on instructions to follow pertaining to our visits. Prevention is better than cure.”

The Group’s Board Member, Mulipola Anarosa Molio'o, said one of their other goals is to encourage families, especially parents to take their children to be vaccinated in line with the appeal by the Samoa government.

The Ministry of Health, in an appeal posted on Facebook, warned that measles is contagious and the risks of infection are high for vulnerable groups such as infants and pregnant mothers.

“Because the measles disease is highly contagious, the person infected with measles need to be isolated in a room and kept away from infants and pregnant mothers. The measles virus is an airborne disease, the infected person needs to rest well to boost the immune system, have warm baths or wipe down for comfort from fever,” stated the M.O.H. social media post.

“Stay hydrated by drinking water and stays nourished with consuming fruits and vegetables. Wear masks and always wash your hands, stay away from public gatherings and seek medical treatment.”