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Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says it's "outrageous" that a Samoan toddler was refused a measles vaccination in Auckland before heading back to Apia, which is grappling with a measles epidemic.
"I heard this last night and I thought it was outrageous, given this current situation – I am minded to ask questions there," Ardern said.
She added that she would personally follow up with Health Minister David Clark to figure out what exactly happened.
READ MORE:
• 'Basically he's on home detention': Toddler flown back to Samoa without measles vaccine
• Samoa measles epidemic: Another day brings two more deaths
• Samoan dad loses third child to deadly measles epidemic
• Cartoonist issues apology for measles cartoon labelled as racist
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Advertise with NZME.Ardern's criticism comes as the measles epidemic in Samoa has claimed 60 lives, mostly children.
The 15-month-old boy in question had been visiting New Zealand with his family, and stayed on with his godparents because his mum and dad did not want him returning to Samoa amid the measles outbreak.
But yesterday, he flew back with his godfather, Mark Wendt, who said an Auckland clinic refused to immunise the young boy because he didn't have a New Zealand passport.
Ardern said this was not acceptable.
She said anyone who heard about this issue would agree that it simply does not make sense.
"The fact that we didn't assist one child in New Zealand when we are giving vaccinations to Samoa to vaccinate feels nonsensical to me.
"So I will follow up with the Minister of Health."
READ MORE:
• Otago Daily Times apologises over 'shameful' cartoon about Samoa's measles crisis
• Cartoonist issues apology for measles cartoon labelled as racist
• It's hard to putt when you're laughing
• Cartoon row brings shame to newspapers
Then, unprompted, she said she was also "horrified" by a cartoon that ran in the Otago Daily Times (ODT) this week.
The cartoon depicted two women walking out of a travel agency with the caption: "I asked 'what are the least popular spots at the moment." She said 'The ones people are picking up in Samoa'".
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Advertise with NZME.The ODT has apologised for publishing the cartoon, which has been labelled racist.
"The content and the timing of the cartoon were insensitive, and we apologise without reservation for publishing it," ODT editor Barry Stewart said in a statement.
Ardern was clearly upset by the cartoon.
"This is affecting children and babies – it's absolutely horrific. No one takes it lightly, New Zealand is doing all we can to assist."
