December 9, 2019
For Immediate Release
MEDIA RELEASE
The Salvation Army rallies to support Samoans hit by measles epidemic
The Salvation Army has launched an appeal to assist those affected by the measles epidemic in Samoa.
Money raised through The Salvation Army Samoan Measles Epidemic Appeal will directly help families who are caught up in
the disease which has mainly infected children and babies.
The Samoan Ministry of Health is predicting the epidemic is yet to reach its peak infection rate, and the death toll may
keep rising until the end of December.
Salvation Army regional leaders Lt-Cols Rod and Jenny Carey say the outbreak has affected nearly every family in the
island nation, and while health professionals are doing what they can to halt the disease’s spread, the church is
providing welfare support to those affected.
Money raised by the appeal will go towards practical assistance in the form of much-needed medical supplies, along with
food parcels, water and family assistance including help with funeral costs which have become a tragic reality for many
in recent weeks.
Salvation Army churches thoughout New Zealand will ask their congregations to dig deep for the cause, and the call is
being extended to all New Zealanders.
“This Christmas, Samoa is facing an absolutely terrible situation,” Lt Colonel Rod Carey says.
“Many of these families are facing the worst tragedy at a time when they should be rejoicing.
“‘It is absolutely our Christian responsibility as The Salvation Army to reach out in love and kindness.”
To donate to the appeal, please visit
Issued on the Authority of Commissioner Andy Westrupp (Territorial Commander)
The Salvation Army, New Zealand Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory
ends