“Samoa's measles epidemic has taken a severe toll on people's mental health, says a team providing support to affected families.
“Since the outbreak was declared in October, 83 people have died, most of them children.
“The Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations, or SUNGO, recently travelled to the island of Savai'i, providing food, supplies and counselling.
“The group's chief executive, Fuimaono Vaitolo Ofoia, said the Christmas period was a struggle for many families in Samoa.
"It's a weird experience for them because of this traumatic disease and the circumstances they have gone through, the trauma, it's beyond any other."
“Fuimaono said long-term support would be crucial.”
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