A charitable organisation from New Zealand called the Asa Foundation presented supplies to the National Emergency Operation Centre (N.E.O.C.) to distribute for the hospital.

The handover ceremony took place at N.E.O.C.’s headquarters in town on Monday.

A representative of Asa Foundation, Tuala Tagaloa Tusani, said the container with supplies is to support the families that have been affected by measles especially those that have lost loved ones to the epidemic.

“I would like to acknowledge the nurse and midwife where this started from, Tiara Tuulua from the hospital,” he said.

Tuala said the supplies were donated by various donors in New Zealand while his association facilitates the distribution in Samoa.

“Four weeks ago, Ms. Tuulua sent an urgent request for some much needed supplies to help her team at the hospital and also the families we are dealing with measles.

“The list of supplies that was requested include: nappies, bed sheets, pillows, mattresses, sanitisers which are some of the stuff from the container but we added towels, masks, gowns, and toys.

“All the supplies will be given straight to N.E.O.C. who will distribute it accordingly.”
 He acknowledged EIF International who sponsored the container, Henderson Cars, and all the donors from New Zealand.

“This is one of many containers that are coming. I talked to Dr. George Leao Tuitama at the Mental Health group and he has relayed that there is a great need where families have lost one or two children but there are other children alive who need assistance.

“We wanted to assist in that way whoever needed supplies. 

“This is a very sad time for our people but we want the locals to know that friends of Samoa overseas are thinking of them and showing you their love through this assistance which is put into actions. I also thank the funeral services that we are working with Sefo and Fesili.”

Tuala added that they are giving 12 coffins that were donated by Kiwi Coffin Club to N.E.O.C. to support the families who have loved ones at the morgues.

“Hopefully this will help them, we also thank Frankies Supermarket.

“Over five weeks we have been helping 40 families offering financial support at their homes plus the coffins that were donated by Kiwi Coffin Club.

“Yes, we are tired but when you love Samoa you get on the plane and do something. There will be more assistance coming to Samoa around January so there are other things to expect.

The Chairman of the Disaster Advisory Committee, Ulu Bismarck Crawley thanked all the kind donors from New Zealand for the assistance.

“We will make sure to give the assistance allocated to the Ministry of Health for distribution 

“We feel grateful for the others to lend a helping hand as our country faces the measles epidemic and even though it is dying down which 

“We pray God will bless everyone who has helped our people and its Government.”