Deputy Prime Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo confirmed on Thursday that 22 suspected measles cases reported in recent weeks were all negative, as health officials continue to monitor any signs of an outbreak.

He said 73 per cent of children have received both doses of the measles vaccine, while the remaining 27 per cent have had only one dose or none. Toelupe said lessons from the 2019 measles epidemic and the Covid-19 pandemic mean authorities remain on high alert. 

Alongside the health update, Toelupe outlined several other issues.

He said he met with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) after heavy rain to assess the country’s preparedness for cyclones. He said they are also updating Samoa’s third Nationally Determined Contributions as part of global climate obligations.

On infrastructure, he said climate impacts continue to affect building safety and drainage, with some developments still being built too close to rivers and the coastline despite warnings from the Planning and Urban Management Agency. He noted the National Building Code was last reviewed in 2017.

The DPM also encouraged good hygiene practices in the sale of food and drinks, saying community responsibility remains important.

He praised Samoa’s tag teams for their strong performances, acknowledged China’s support for a sewing programme benefiting women, and extended birthday wishes to King Charles III.

Toelupe said the cabinet recently approved several overseas medical referrals for patients with conditions that cannot be treated locally. He also called for efforts to revive traditional Samoan knowledge, saying the country’s history as ocean navigators should not fade.