Reports that the outbreak of measles in Samoa has taken an additional five lives in the past 24 hours are deeply distressing.
The latest public reports indicate that a total of 4,052 measles cases have been reported since the outbreak started. 52 of the 60 individuals that have died from contracting this disease to date were under the age of four, which is nothing short of tragic.
Labor supports all efforts of the Samoan Government to vaccinate its population, particularly infants and young children.
Vaccinations save lives.
Labor notes that the Australian Government has provided support to the Samoan Government, including the provision of urgently needed medical equipment and supplies and a specialist team of nurses, doctors and public health experts.
We encourage the Australian Government to continue providing support to the Samoan Government at this time and provide any additional support that might be needed to help address this public health crisis.
The people of Samoa are our friends and our neighbours and we must stand with them at this time of need.
Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.