A team providing support to affected families in Samoa says measles epidemic has taken a toll on people's mental health

A team providing support to affected families says Samoa's measles epidemic has taken a severe toll on people's mental health.

Since the outbreak was declared in October, 83 people have died most of them children.

The Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisations or SUNGO recently travelled to the island of Savai'i providing food, supplies and counselling.

The group's chief executive, Fuimaono Vaitolo Ofoia, said the Christmas period was a struggle for many families in Samoa.

Fuimaono said long-term support would be crucial.

Meanwhile, parents in Samoa are struggling to meet strict new school enrolment requirements introduced in response to the country's measles epidemic.

Parents enrolling their kids in schools are now required by law to show proof that they have been immunised against measles.

[Source:RadioNZ]