Samoa's National Disaster Committee is meeting today for the first time following a State of Emergency declaration on Friday night because of the measles epidemic.
The acting prime minister and Minister of Health, Faimalotoa Kika Stowers Ah Kau, made the declaration regarding the current outbreak which has seen six children die from the measles over the past month.
Faimalotoa's announcement came after a special cabinet special meeting ran late into the evening.
She said the national disaster committee meeting will outline measures to put in place for all government ministries and corporations to work together in order to stop further spread of the disease.
Two nurses in Samoa wearing masks during the measles epidemic. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Jenny Meyer