Poor vaccination rates and problems with malnutrition and access to healthcare have led to the outbreak,
The Samoa Observer also noted that the outbreak isn't restricted to Samoa,University of Auckland Vaccinologist, Dr. Helen Petousis-Harris [said].. “...children in Samoa are more likely to suffer malnutrition or die in early childhood than children in New Zealand. In Samoa about 18 per 1000 children die before five-years where as in New Zealand this is about six.” She said on top of all this, the true burden of measles is likely higher than reported figures, simply because not all infected people will report to the healthcare system. [source]
New Zealand is sending medical personnel and supplies. Last week they sent 12 vaccination nurses and 18 more are on the way.Hotspots in the region are also facing measles outbreaks. In American Samoa, two cases were discovered and immediately quarantined. When a blood test in Hawaii confirmed their measles status, the government declared a health emergency and closed its borders to non-vaccinated people. In Tonga, there are 251 either confirmed or suspected cases as of November 12, whilst in Fiji there were four confirmed cases as of November 16.
While it sounds like the government is doing all it can to get the outbreak under control they've got a long way to go and most likely there will be more deaths before this is over. While anti-vax sentiments are not helping, poverty and poor access to healthcare are clearly exacerbating factors.