EU Activates Civil Protection Mechanism in response to Samoan Measles crisis

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated on 29 November based on the request for assistance from the World Health Organisation in relation to the outbreak of measles in Samoa. So far, 4217 cases have been detected and the death toll is at 62.

In response to this request ten French medical experts from French Polynesia joined three French doctors and epidemiologists to assist with the outbreak. A Norwegian medical team departed to Samoa on Sunday 1 December and is expected to remain for a month. WHO is ensuring the coordination of international teams closely with the Ministry of Health. Vaccination and other public health measures are being scaled up.

The overall objective of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is to strengthen cooperation between the EU Member States and 6 Participating States in the field of civil protection, with a view to improving prevention, preparedness and response to disasters. When the scale of an emergency overwhelms the response capabilities of a country, it can request assistance via the Mechanism. Through the Mechanism, the European Commission plays a key role in coordinating the response to disasters in Europe and beyond and contributes to at least 75% of the transport and/or operational costs of deployments.

To read more about the Civil protection mechanism, click here.