Apia, SAMOA — Samoa has launched a nationwide vaccination program against typhoid fever.

In a press statement from the Ministry of Health, acting Director General of Health Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen said the campaign is targeting those aged from 9 months to 45 years old.

The campaign will target remote individual homes, but those who live within the vicinity of district hospitals on all islands are urged to go there to be vaccinated.

Tagaloa said the health ministry has seen an alarming rise in the number of typhoid cases around the country, especially among young people.

He also warned that drinking water must be boiled, and all food should be washed thoroughly and cooked properly, especially meat, eggs and vegetables.

The vaccination campaign is scheduled to be completed on 30 September 2022.