Via Samoa Global News: Zero Deaths Next Week Should Be Our Mission. Excerpt:
With the death toll from the measles outbreak currently at 33 and climbing by the day, Clinical Director of the National Kidney Foundation Leituala Dr. Ben Matalavea says zero deaths next week must be Samoa’s mission in battling this epidemic.
Dr Matalavea says that with international assistance providing crucial medical equipment and added personnel, the death toll must not be tolerated.
“We cannot accept another death. Our aim is zero death by next week. We must not fail our kids. We must do all we can to save them.
“I acknowledge the tremendous expertise from Australia and New Zealand. We have a lot of expert help here now.”
Leituala says medical practitioners are pulling together with a can-do attitude to exploit every opportunity available.
”We now have help and assistance for near death care and the extreme unwell. Together with all the prayers and fasting across the nation, our mission can be achieved. “Everyone is working together now and I think zero death next week is a good mission”.
Dr Matalavea however showed concern with the late presenting of children to the hospital especially babies under 12 months old.
“Mothers and fathers and families must know what to do. Parents must seek immediate medical advice for babies under 12 months as they are the most vulnerable”.
