Samoa, Dec. 5 -- Last week the Government of Samoa mandated the United Nations to assist the development of a national appeal in response to the rapidly spreading epidemic.

The Prime Minister of Samoa Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi today launched the Samoa Measles Response and Recovery Appeal on behalf of the people of Samoa to support ongoing efforts in containing the measles outbreak and to effectively treat people who contracted measles, and to achieve herd immunity for long term protection of the population.

A needs assessment conducted collaboratively between the UN and the lead government ministries coordinating the Appeal includes a financial request of about US$10.7 million worth of activities.

As the government's vaccination and...