{"id":107315,"date":"2019-12-05T13:05:38","date_gmt":"2019-12-05T23:05:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/?p=107315"},"modified":"2019-12-05T13:05:38","modified_gmt":"2019-12-05T23:05:38","slug":"public-health-samoa-measles-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/news\/2019\/12\/05\/public-health-samoa-measles-drive\/","title":{"rendered":"UH<\/abbr> public health students respond to measles outbreak with donations"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading time: <\/span> 2<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

\"medical<\/p>\n

In just six weeks, a measles outbreak has killed more than 60 and infected 2 percent of the population in Samoa. In response to this emergency, the University of Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> at M\u0101noa Office of Public Health Studies\u2019<\/a> graduate Hui Ola Pono will be collecting medical supplies and monetary donations to support response efforts.<\/p>\n

The idea for a supply drive was sparked by public health graduate student Preciousz Savusa<\/strong>, who has familial roots in Samoa. This past summer, Savusa participated in the Pacific Experience program, which gave her the opportunity to work in American Samoa and meet Kenneth Kuaea, executive director at American Samoa Community Health Centers (ASCHC<\/abbr>). <\/p>\n

When she learned about the toll of the current outbreak, Savusa felt compelled to take action. She reached out Kuaea, and learned that ASCHC<\/abbr> is helping to administer relief to Samoa by providing medical assistance and supplies.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s simply not enough to feel sympathy for our families back home. As a UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa public health student of Samoan descent, it is my responsibility to lend a helping hand to my community, but I knew I couldn\u2019t do it alone,” said Savusa. “I am grateful for the partnership of public health graduate student Dejah Faʻasoa<\/span><\/strong> and the graduate Hui Ola Pono who are helping to move this initiative forward.”<\/p>\n

Princess Visconde<\/strong>, president of graduate Hui Ola Pono, also saw an opportunity. “It really is our kuleana to promote health, not only in Â鶹´«Ã½<\/span> but the Pacific region as well.”<\/p>\n

Several ways to donate<\/h2>\n

Medical supply donations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Anti-bacterial soap, hand sanitizer, medical face masks, Clorox wipes, hand wipes, latex\/non-latex gloves and reusable bags will be accepted at drop off points at the following locations and times on the UH<\/abbr> M\u0101noa campus:<\/p>\n