20 Dec 2019

Samoa repeatedly warned about growing threat of measles

From , 5:04 am on 20 December 2019

Samoa was warned about the threat of measles as early as March, and urged to immunise its population. 

That notice came more than six months before the epidemic had killed dozens of people. 

There were several warnings in the lead up to a crisis exacerbated by low vaccination rates.

Mackenzie Smith reports.

This handout picture released from UNICEF Samoa shows nurse April Wilson (L) and team leader Luisa Popo preparing vaccinations during a nationwide campaign against measles in the Samoan town of Le'auva'a.

Photo: AFP PHOTO / ALLAN STEPHEN / UNICEF