Two New Zealanders have shared their stories of heartbreak after their children died from measles in Samoa.
Like many parents, they were living in New Zealand, and sending money back to their homeland.
When they were told their children were sick they made a dash for home. Sadly both lost their baby girls to the disease.
Ioane Mata'u-tia, is a 24-year-old dad who works as a labourer and Countdown supermarket worker in Mangere.
He and Misiona Talamoni, also from Auckland, share a common but tragic tale.
Talamoni lost her eight-month-old in the epidemic.
"We lost our little girl. So please parents, be aware of your kids. Once you notice there's changes in them, do something about it," she told Newshub.
Adding to her agony is that she and her husband did act when their daughter Hope became unwell.
Hope was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, but then discharged.
Talamoni says staff initially said Hope didn't have measles and could go home. But she then deteriorated again.
"I was really upset when I got a call from my husband saying they've been sent home. I was really angry. I said 'why did they send you home?'"
Misiona flew out from Auckland to be with her family. Her baby girl was then confirmed to have measles and died in ICU.
"She's gone and her brother and her other siblings didn't get the chance to meet her in person," she said.
Misiona says it's difficult being in Apia with her grieving relatives also at home.
"So next week, I'm going back home, without Hope"
A few houses up the road, in the village of Faleula, Ioane and his wife also lost a child.
Their daughter, Noeller died from measles.
"My daughter is 11 months. She was already trying to talk. That's why I miss my daughter," he said.
He's a Kiwi citizen, but as his Samoan Passport recently expired he has to return to Auckland soon to work and get money for a renewal.
"I want to stay here in Samoa to look after my family and my wife" he told Newshub.
It is a desperate situation but all Ioane really wants is for Kiwis to pray for his family.
Volunteers are also on the ground helping ease the pain with counselling.
"Talking to them is our way of support just to ease their mind of what happened and just to plant a new seed," said Samoa Victim Support Group volunteer Tipazo Aukusitino.
And while that work will be on-going, Ioane says he's blessed in other ways - he has the support of family and friends in Samoa and in New Zealand.
