Samoa’s Health Chief Calls RFK Jr.’s Claims on Measles Outbreak a “Complete Lie”

The director general of health in Samoa has strongly criticized comments made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during Senate hearings regarding the 2019 measles outbreak in the country, labeling them as a “complete lie.” This outbreak, which took place in late 2019, resulted in the tragic deaths of 83 individuals, mainly children, highlighting the devastating impact of low vaccination rates at the time.

Kennedy, who has been proposed to be the US health secretary, suggested during the hearings that tissue samples sent to New Zealand indicated that not all victims had measles, creating confusion about the causes behind the deaths. However, Aiono Professor Dr. Alec Ekeroma contradicted this assertion, stating that there was only one post-mortem examination conducted, and no other tissue samples were sent because it was clear that measles was the cause.

Dr. Andrew Old, the deputy director-general for public health at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that blood samples and swabs were indeed sent to Australia and New Zealand, which confirmed the presence of the measles virus, matching the strain involved in concurrent outbreaks in New Zealand.

Ekeroma has voiced concerns over Kennedy’s potential appointment, arguing that having someone with anti-vaccine sentiments in such a significant health role could pose risks to public health not only in the United States but also in Samoa. He emphasized the importance of increasing vaccination rates, which have now reached about 80 percent on the island as part of recovery efforts post-outbreak.

In sum, the comments made during the Senate hearings have ignited a significant discussion about public health leadership and the responsibilities that come with it, especially in the context of global health challenges. It is clear that accurate information and strong vaccination programs are essential in controlling outbreaks and protecting community health. The situation in Samoa serves as a reminder of the critical importance of public health policies and the potential consequences when misinformation surfaces.