The Ministry of Health is set to receive a $30,000 tala boost from the  Salvation Army in Samoa.

Director of Salvation Army in Samoa, Lt. Colonel Rod Carey told the Samoa Observer the donation was raised during fundraisers held in New Zealand for the Samoa Measles Epidemic Appeal.

“In October 2019 a serious outbreak of measles was reported in Samoa,” he said.

The epidemic claimed 83 lives, the majority being children.

“We responded to the need for assistance from the Ministry of Health through two loads of medical supplies that were purchased and delivered to the Samoa National Emergency Operations Centre, where all the donated food, medical supplies, and other items were received on behalf of The Samoa government.

“To date, we had visited 48 measles affected families with over 350 people receiving help.

“There is still ongoing support for some of these families, especially with children returning to school and the poor living conditions.”

He added that some families have attended church services held at the Salvation Army headquarters at Moto'otua.

“We are proud of the way the Salvation Army Samoa rose to the challenge to serve the people of Samoa in their time of great need. 

“We are extremely grateful for the Public Relations Department for setting up the Samoa Measles Epidemic Appeal which raised approximately NZD $40,000 [SAT $68,400.67].

“Many corps held love offerings to support the appeal. We used the funds raised to provide financial grants, food supplies and funeral costs to families affected with measles but the remaining money will be given to the Ministry of Health to help purchase any medical equipment needed. 

He acknowledged Salvationists, friends and the people of New Zealand for every contribution made and thoughts and prayers for the people of Samoa during these difficult times.

“We really value and appreciated your support.”

The Director of Salvation Army in Samoa added that due to the State of Emergency declared in November they cancelled their Addiction Services, Alcohol & Drug Treatment Programme was cancelled for six weeks to the end of December. 

“Our church services and youth and children activities were affected with children under the age of 19 not allowed to attend church until mid-January.

“In December, an Emergency Response Team from Regional Headquarters in Apia, was set up and commenced visiting the affected families. Pastoral care, food parcels and financial grants to assist with funeral expenses for the families that had lost loved ones were distributed. The families were very grateful and appreciative for the donations; support and pastoral care which helped them cope with the trauma and tragedy.”

He added that in early January this year, they received four pallets of items from the ASA Foundation which included hand sanitisers, children and adult nappies, pillows, clothes, bedding, towels, cleaning materials and more.