Information and Communications Technology-related companies in Samoa have banded together to help the nation fight the measles crisis.

Data from the mass vaccination was made readily available in Apia on Thursday at the Data Centre thanks to the Communication companies that merged to assist the national measles effort.

President of Samoa Technology Information Association, Fainu’ulelei James Ah Wai, was at the forefront. 

“The purpose of this is to collect data as they become available immediately after the each team completes vaccination for families.” 

Digicel, BlueSky Samoa, Sky Eye and U.N.D.P. and I.T. personnel are manning this centre in front of the government building. 

The availability of the information comes from the digital platform that belongs to SkyEye, he said. 

“We are assisting the government to assure that information collected as it happens is accurate and efficient for decisions making purposes. And it is all on volunteer basis.” 

He explained there is an app installed in the phones of their team which is dispatched with the vaccination teams out in the field. 

“Once a vaccination is conducted the information is disseminated by the digital platform and it comes directly to our board right here, as you can see the interview was conducted there were 850 and now its 920 vaccines already completed.” 

He commended the companies for coming on board to assist the country in time of crisis. 

“On the boards there is a digital map which pinpoints which areas have been covered and which ones the teams have not reached; this will assist the N.E.O.C. (National Emergency Operation Center) as to where they are needed,” explained Fainu’ulelei. 

He said there are more than 100 I.T. technicians with some out in the field with the health workers and government employees and others working at the centre. 

“I also want to thank the Digicel and BlueSky for providing the resources, such as manpower, equipment and funding the project, without them this wouldn’t be possible,” said Fainu’ulelei. 

Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Afamasaga Rico Tupa'i and Chief Executive Officer, Talatalaga Fualau Matau were at the centre to assist the I.T. technicians. 

"What you're seeing is a demonstration of collaborative work between the Government and the whole of Samoa's I.T. companies and personnel to report data as the vaccinations are continuing. 

"What we are seeing now is that data is collected and entered digitally and uploaded on the internet and information is available on the screens here at the centre. This demonstration showcase the capability of the workforce and the ability for the government and private sector working together." 

He said this is the result of the cable made available by the government and it is an opportunity for the workforce to innovate and to produce innovative solutions to minimize the work. 

"We are heading to digital transformation and this time we are trying to see how we can go a paperless government in the near future and what we are looking at here, this data will assist the Ministry of Health and the N.E.O.C in terms of decision making."