All donations intended to help Samoa fight the measles epidemic must go through the National Emergency Operation Centre (N.E.O.C.).

The point was highlighted by the Chair of the Disaster Advisory Committee, Ulu Bismarck Crawley, during a press conference on Thursday.

“Ministry of Finance shall oversee and keep records of all the assistance received,” he said.

“It is through this process that we want to stock take and make sure there is good management of assistance whether it is financial or in-kind.

“It is to showcase transparency and accountability on our role and after the emergency we will launch an official report of all support received.”

He said during other crisis like the 2009 tsunami, people used the name of the Government when fundraising but the funds never showed up.

“When the report was given of all the assistance received, there was no sign of such fundraising reaching the Government which led to the Government being questioned.”

He added that they will work closely with the Ministry of Health to direct resources, money and people where they are needed most.

The Emergency Operation is attempting to avoid complications, and unnecessary duplication of processes, while “ensuring the maximum time in delivering the resources,” Ulu said.

“We have received positive support from United Nations, Australia, New Zealand. Some of the support we have been given include: food, mattresses, and appliances, and [money].

“It has been quite overwhelming to receive so [much] support from the community, churches, business community, banks.

The Government has established an account for anyone who wishes to donate money.

The account name is BSP GOS Direct Transfer Fund Account, account Number: 2001-123104, Bank South Pacific Limited, bank Address: Beach Road, Apia, Samoa with the swift code: BOSPWSWS.

Donors are advised to add: “Measles Emergency Operations” when making deposits.

The following is the official advisory from the Government about the donations.

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR MEASLES EMERGENCY DONATIONS

 For the duration of the Proclamation of Emergency, the General Public is hereby advised of the following:

 All Organisations or Individuals who wish to donate towards the measles epidemic may do so through the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) located at the old Post Office across from the ANZ Bank on Beach Road.  NEOC is responsible for the coordination of ALL assistance and donations.  

For those who wish to make monetary donations, please use the BSP GOS Direct Transfer Fund Account below: 

Account Name: BSP GOS Direct Transfer Fund Account

Account Number: 2001-123104

Bank Name:  Bank South Pacific Limited

Bank Address: Beach Road, Apia, SAMOA

Swift Code: BOSPWSWS

 Donors are advised to add the narrative: “Measles Emergency Operations” when making deposits. For further information, contact 997