The Ministry of Health has completed the renovation of the admissions ward for patients affected with measles.

This was confirmed by the Director General of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, during an interview released by the Press Secretariat. 

The project was  funded by Australia.

“The Government of Samoa appreciates the support given so far, especially from our development partners such as Australia, New Zealand, World Health Organisation and United Nations Children's Fund (U.N.I.C.E.F.) plus local stakeholders and public,” he said.

“It is very much appreciated at the time on how the measles has progressed.

“I can say that when the outbreak first began, we were contacted immediately by New Zealand High Commission and also met with the High Commissioner of Australia.”

Leausa added that Australia provided financial support to increase vaccination awareness and to repair and renovate the old wards.

“The wards will be renovated and used for isolation of these cases that need to be quarantine.”

Australian High Commissioner, Sara Moriarty, said the assistance was in response to a request from Samoa.

“Australia supported the Ministry of Health to refurbish the old administration building adjacent to the main hospital, to be used as an overflow area to support the hospital’s needs during the response.

“Australia continues to work closely with the Government of Samoa, and other partners, to deliver life-saving medical assistance and prevent the further spread of measles.”

The Australian High Commission added that on the fifth of November 2019, in response to the Government of Samoa’s request for assistance with the measles epidemic, Australia provided an accountable cash grant of A$40,000 to assist the Ministry of Health to refurbish the old administration building adjacent to the main hospital to be used as an overflow area to support the hospital’s needs during the response. 

An additional A$60,000 was provided for public health awareness raising.