Despite the Government lifting the state of emergency and a decline in new measles cases, ASA Foundation continues to reach out to impacted families.

A family in Sapapalii, Savai'i who lost a child to measles, were among the recipients of the foundation's generosity recently. 

A representative from the ASA Foundation, Tofilau Esther Tofilau, presented financial assistance to Fogafata Kerupi Luki, who is the mother of the deceased.

A family in Leauvaa is still mourning the loss of a father and husband and were also beneficiaries of ASA's assistance. 

More than 40 families have been offered support through the foundation.

The ASA Foundation and its partners have been on the ground in Samoa for seven weeks, providing financial assistance, funeral aid and supplies donated by donors to families who lost loved ones to the virus. 

According to another representative of the foundation, Tuala Tagaloa Tusani, their charitable work will continue through February as part of the state of recovery. 

“We will continue our partnership with Frankie's Supermarket in assisting the mental health and psychosocial support service at Moto’otua Hospital with the measles mental health impact,” he said.

Between the January 9-12, ASA Foundation will have its first international team - dubbed flying volunteers - on the ground who will be tasked with the distribution of close to 50 pallets of donated aid supply in partnership with the Government, the Ministry of Health and local organisations.

Another team is scheduled for deployment between February 27 and March 1. The international volunteers will get the opportunity to meet the families that have been assisted, frontline health staff and their Samoan counterparts. 

The international contingent will organise and pay for their own travel and accommodation while the ASA Foundation will provide for their transport and meals. 

Volunteers can travel to Samoa earlier before joining in the four days’ work but they also have the option to extend their charitable commitments. 

For five weeks, throughout November and December, people from New Zealand and Australia have been helping to collect aid supplies to help the foundation's work. 

A first container of five pallets' worth of donated supplies will include nappies, sanitary wipes, child care needs, masks, gloves and hospital supplies has already been distributed in Samoa.

The foundation acknowledges the assistance of partners from across the region, including:

NEW ZEALAND 

* Marlborough - Lynette Leota

* Christchurch - Martha Tuli

* Wellington - Henrietta Hunkin-Tagaloa, Asomua Sulu Sheck & Kaira Sheck

* Palmerston North: Fatima Sae

* Otaki & Kapiti Coast - Angelina Mose Tuialii & Hana Fa'auma Alaga

* Auckland - EIF International

* Auckland - Henderson Cars

* Auckland - Main Freight 

* Auckland - Maketi Samoa Foods & Produce

* Auckland- Gmana Wholesa Autos 

* Auckland- Debra Tuuaga 

* Auckland - Mena Shop & Gina Loheni

* Auckland - Tavita Lefale

AUSTRALIA 

* Sydney: Shearer Pule Maiava (Samove Cultural Movement)

* Sydney: Cecilia Misitea (The Koha Shed)

* Sydney: Sheryl Bee (The Movement)

* Sydney: Sita Taalili (J & R Enterprise)

Donors, the foundation says, are concerned most of all with ensuring that aid reaches people directly and is distributed effectively.