The World Bank will provide US$3.5 million in funding to support the response to the growing measles outbreak in Samoa, on top of a US$9.3 million grant that will support health systems strengthening in Samoa over the next five years.
With the measles outbreak in Samoa having now killed 70 people – almost all of them children – and more than 4,600 confirmed measles cases, the Samoan Government will draw US$3.5 million from grant funds available under an agreed Operation that gives the government access to emergency funding in the event of a significant national emergency. This funding will provide the government with additional resources to respond to the measles emergency.
In addition, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a further US$9.3 million to strengthen Samoa’s health systems over the coming years through the Samoa Health System Strengthening Program, which will be rolled out between 2020 and 2025.
This additional support aims to improve the quality and efficiency of Samoa’s health system, including the ability to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases such as measles, and stem the rise of non-communicable diseases like diabetes. Work to be delivered through the program includes primary health care reform, investment in health workforce development and community-based disease prevention and management to help ensure Samoan families, particularly those in rural areas, have access to trained physicians and quality services.
“Our funding will also support the government in strengthening the country’s health system to ensure better preparedness and basic health services for all Samoans,” said Annette Dixon, World Bank Vice-President for Human Development.
The US$9.3 million grant comes from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the most in-need countries and will be implemented by Samoa’s Ministry of Health.
Original source: World Bank
Published on 09 December 2019
