News
Call for returning seasonal workers to be vaccinated against measles
Seasonal workers returning home to Samoa for Christmas should be given the measles vaccine before they go, says a doctor leading New Zealand's medical response to the epidemic in Samoa. Audio
Rate of new measles cases in Samoa may have peaked - NZ doctor
A doctor leading New Zealand's medical response to the measles epidemic in Samoa is hopeful the country's mass vaccination programme is beginning to help.
Distraught parents taking kids with measles out of hospitals in Samoa
Some parents of children with measles in Samoa appear to be panicking over the care their infants are receiving, with at least three families reportedly taking their children out of hospital.
Samoa Govt moves to lower MMR vaccination age
Samoa's government is asking the public not to panic over the measles outbreak, as it moves to lower the age the first dose of the MMR vaccination can be given to six months.
Samoa measles epidemic: Primary schools to close next week
Samoa's Ministry of Health is working with the Education Ministry to close all primary schools next week to contain the measles epidemic.
Relaunch of MMR in Samoa a huge task - Health Ministry
Samoa's Ministry of Health says relaunching the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccination programme was a huge task for the country. Audio
Measles outbreak: Visiting restrictions at Samoa's hospitals
Strict visiting restrictions are in place at Samoa's hospitals and clinics in an effort to curb the spread of the highly infectious measles virus. Audio
Samoa measles epidemic: Suspected cases could be tip of iceberg
New research reveals how dangerous the measles epidemic in Samoa could be, a medical expert warns. Audio
Samoa measles epidemic: Immunologist furious at NZ
An immunologist and vaccine specialist at Auckland University is furious New Zealand has "exported" measles to Samoa. Audio
UNICEF to boost resources for young children in Pacific
The establishment of a new Pacific Regional Council for Early Childhood Development has been announced by UNICEF. Video
Pacific measles outbreak: NZ Govt under pressure to step up
New Zealand's government is under pressure to limit harm from the highly-contagious measles virus, which is spreading into Pacific Island countries. Audio
'Export' of measles to Pacific 'very disappointing' - NZ Opposition MP
A New Zealand Opposition MP says it's "very disappointing" New Zealand is "exporting" measles to its Pacific neighbours. Audio
Samoa's health ministry urges NZ to control measles outbreak
Samoa's Health Ministry says if New Zealand's measles outbreak is not brought under control soon, the emerging epidemic in Samoa will only get worse.
Samoa Govt expects measles epidemic to escalate
Following the declaration of a measles epidemic in Samoa, the health ministry says emergency procedures are underway as the government anticipates cases will escalate. Audio
Measles watch: Samoa health officials await test results
Samoa's health officials are awaiting international confirmation after an adult tested positive in Samoa for measles, which is thought to have been transmitted from the Auckland outbreak.
WHO's 5-year plan to target obesity, smoking and superbugs
Health ministers from across the Asia Pacific region have agreed on a new set of health priorities to make the Western Pacific a healthier, safer region. Audio
Miss Samoa steps up to help stop measles spread
Miss Samoa 2019 is taking up her duties in Apia and hopes to use her new platform to help prevent measles from spreading to the island nation. Video
Measles outbreak: South Auckland Pacific pre-schoolers worst hit
Auckland's hospital admission rate for the highly contagious measles virus is up to four times more than expected, with Pacific people disproportionately affected.
UNFPA helps boost gender equality in Pacific
The head of the United Nations Population Fund says she is really inspired by the leadership shown in the Pacific to addressing women's human rights directly. Audio
