UNICEF on Samoa measles outbreak: 'The situation is huge'
Quoting Radio New Zealand – 4 December 2019
“The main challenge for UNICEF staff working in Samoa during the measles epidemic is the increase in hospital admissions, the children's charity says.
“There are now 60 measles-related deaths, with children making up most of the fatalities.
“There are also 174 people still in hospital including 18 critically-ill children.
“UNICEF's representative for the Pacific, Sheldon Yett, said Samoa was a small country and with its limited resources, the measles outbreak was proving overwhelming.
"The situation is huge. The numbers keep changing and that makes it very difficult. Again it's a very emotional situation. We do have children who are unfortunately still getting very sick and still being admitted to hospital. Absolutely, this is a problem.
"We need to ensure all these children get the curative care and the support that they need."
“Mr Yett said the disease was spreading fast, putting immense pressure on those working on the ground.
“But he said there was a co-ordinated response by the government and other countries to help.”
Copyright @ 2019, Radio New Zealand
