In November 2019, NZMAT deployed a total of 38 personnel to assist with the measles outbreak in Samoa after the Samoan Ministry of Health declared a measles outbreak on 16th October. Four teams were deployed over a period of just over one month.
This deployment saw a number of milestones for NZMAT:
-First time NZMAT deployed to assist with an ‘outbreak’ rather than a sudden onset disaster
-First time a midwife deployed with the team
-First time NZMAT personnel was involved in a EMT Coordination Centre working alongside WHO representatives and the local MoH, to task international EMT’s who arrived in Samoa to provide assistance
-First time NZMAT cache was sent via commercial airline, which provided unique challenges based on the size of the aircraft.
2019 Samoa – Measles Outbreak
