Pacific Islands

The death toll from Samoa’s measles epidemic remains at 79, with no fatalities in the past two days.

Another child under the age of five has died in Samoa’s measles epidemic, bringing the toll to 77.

With measles spreading throughout the Pacific region, the Marshall Islands has stepped up its prevention campaign this week.

The people of Bougainville, an island group in Papua New Guinea, have voted overwhelmingly for independence.

One of the world’s most iconic actors, Will Smith has arrived yesterday in Tanna to shoot a geographical film at the Mt. Yasur Volcano.

Seasonal workers returning home to Samoa for Christmas should be given the measles vaccine before they go, says a doctor leading New Zealand’s medical response to the epidemic in Samoa.

The death toll from Samoa’s measles epidemic has reached 70, with two deaths recorded in the past 24 hours.

The Samoan government says thanks to a two day mass vaccination programme, 89 percent of people have now been vaccinated.

There are now 65 measles related deaths in Samoa following two more fatalities over the past 24 hours.

There have now been 63 measles-related deaths in Samoa, with one fatality in the last 24 hours.

The measles death toll in Samoa is still going up, with another two people dying overnight.

New Zealand clinics are being told not to turn away any children in need of measles vaccination, regardless of whether they are New Zealand citizens.