Local company Island Rock has pledged $10,000 worth of in-kind assistance to fight the ongoing measles crisis.

Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork, the general manager of the company, said that the assistance would be in the form of fridges, air conditioning and ovens in response to some of the needs requested by the Disaster Management Office relayed.

“We were told that some of this equipment is really needed in Savaii,” he told the Samoa Observer.

“It is times like these where our country faces a crisis that we need to work together with Government, Health sector especially doctors and nurses to fight against this epidemic.

He hopes their support supplies will be useful for the doctors and nurses to deal with their work loads of patients.

“I know that our local medical staffs need all the help they can get so if we all help our people it will make a huge contribution to doctors and nurses who work overtime just to help treat our people," he said. 

“I am well aware the business community has also lent a helping hand and we need all the help we can get.

“It is very important to give assistance where it is needed most. Some of the families have lost loved ones to this measles disease but all we can do is try to save others that are fighting for their lives.”

Some members of the business community to have donated to the measles crisis via the National Emergency Operations Centre (N.E.O.C.) include: Bluebird Lumber and Hardware; ANZ Bank, Samoa Natural Water; Samoa Stationery and Books; Samoa Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Samoa Housing Corporation; Samoa Public Service Commission; Tara Crystal Water; Saletoga Sands Resort and Spa Samoa; Le Alaimoana Hotel Samoa; Ah Liki Wholesale; Farmer Joe Samoa; Oceania Gas Limited; Institute of Professional Engineers of Samoa Taumeasina Island Resort; TV3-Apia Broadcasting Ltd; Bank of the South Pacific (BSP); Samoa Pure Water; Federal Pacific Insurance Group;  Betham Brothers Enterprises Ltd.