NZ to deploy further health staff to support Samoa measles outbreak

The support announced today is in addition to the deployment of 12 vaccination nurses, vaccines and medical supplies New Zealand committed to Samoa last week.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has announced further support as the Government of Samoa responds to a serious measles outbreak.

"New Zealand will deploy a further 18 vaccination nurses, bringing the total to 30 workings in Samoa over the next four weeks," Mr. Peters said.

"A New Zealand Medical Assistance Team (NZMAT) of ten doctors and nurses and support staff will deploy to Apia early tomorrow."

"On 15 November the Government of Samoa declared the State of Emergency as the number of people infected with measles continues to rise and the hospital system is under strain.

"We fully support Samoa's efforts to immunize its population, contain the outbreak, and treat patients who are ill."

"The vaccination nurses will support Samoa's immunization programme, which is targeting the most at-risk populations."

"The medical assistance team will support Samoan health personnel, providing treatment and medical supplies in a district hospital on Upolu that is facing heavy demand due to the outbreak."

The support announced today is in addition to the deployment of 12 vaccination nurses, vaccines and medical supplies New Zealand committed to Samoa last week.

(With Inputs from New Zealand Government Press Release)