Measles outbreak in Samoa 101 years after the epidemic...

Our book launched this year about the epidemic 101 years ago

It's an alarming concern when some 32+ of mainly children have died through the measles outbreak in Samoa this year with many still sick with the disease that is causing grave concerns for medical practitioners in Samoa.

What's even more alarming is that it reminds some of us of the influenza epidemic that ripped through Samoa some 101 years ago in 1918 and took with it over a quarter of the population although statistics of the time only present it as one fifth of the population.

The frightening thing about it is the realization that many of the children who died may have survived with immunization although some dispute that this is a very serious strain of measles that is causing the deaths of so many vulnerable children.

There is no amount of support that could ever take the place of these beautiful children who have lost their battle to the disease and even more to the families who have lost beloved ones in being powerless in what they could have done to fight back as many of us know that immunization has been a concern when last year two children died in Samoa due to having had contaminated immunization shots.

The comforting thing is that many nations are now coming forward to provide aid to Samoa with Australia and New Zealand sending nursing and medical supplies and other neighbouring Pacific nations also adding their support.

My parents have returned back to Samoa today and we pray for their safe journey and also to the many families who have been affected by this disease. May the worst be over and may the families affected be comforted to know that they loved ones are now in a better place...