Ads by Google Ads by Google

Samoa women fear vaccine deaths of young children

Porita Taisia of Sapapalii, Savaii

Apia, SAMOA — Women have lost confidence in the Samoa public health system following the deaths of two toddlers in Savai’i last week.

A mother and grandmother, Lipena Heremoni of Tulaele spoke to the Weekend Observer saying she has lost confidence in the services offered by the hospital. 

“I have an eight months old grandson and when I heard about this. I quickly called up my son and his wife who were working here to go to Savaii and I specifically said to them not to take my grandson to the hospital ever again even to get immunized,” she said.

“I’m scared because of what had happened to these two babies. And ever since the incident, I have been connecting with my kids and my grandson and I basically begged them not to take the boy to the hospital ever again. I don’t trust the hospital anymore – even the doctors and this goes out to all my family members starting from my children.”

The death of the two toddlers at Savai’i last Friday compelled the grandmother to switch to herbal medicine to treat her children and grandchildren, which she claims are safe.

“I would rather treat them at home with some old fashion herbal medicines than taking them to see a doctor. And because children died from these, I don’t trust any medication or vaccines from the hospital no matter what. I also think it’s about time to bring back the old medicines that our forefathers and mothers had done to heal us.”

Another mother and vocal businesswoman, Moe Lei Sam, blamed the Government for the two fatalities at Savai’i.

Read more at Samoa Observer