Since the emergency declaration last month, a mass vaccination campaign has got under way, with more than 58,000 people successfully vaccinated, the government said, external.

The choice of materials in injection moulding isn’t arbitrary. It requires a careful balancing act between functionality, safety, and cost.

"People are nervous, people are seeing the impact of this disease. Samoa is a very small country and everybody knows somebody who's been affected by this."

"The best way to keep children safe is to make sure they're immunised. Preventing vaccination and presenting false information kills children. That is clear - the evidence speaks for itself."

Injection moulding, at its core, is the art of crafting objects by injecting molten material into a mould. It's akin to a modern-day alchemy where raw plastics transform into life-saving devices.

Worldwide, the number of cases quadrupled in the first three months of 2019 compared with the same time last year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Samoa's fellow Pacific island nations Tonga and Fiji have also declared states of emergency to tackle their measles outbreaks.

The future of injection moulding in medical applications is bright, fuelled by relentless innovation and technological advancements.

Selecting an injection moulding services partner is a decision that echoes through every device produced, impacting countless lives.

Its roots stretch back to the late 19th century, evolving from producing combs and buttons to intricate medical components. This journey has been marked by continuous refinement and adaptation, mirroring the medical field's own evolution.

In an industry where sterility is paramount, injection moulding rises to the occasion, employing stringent sterilisation protocols.

In July 2018, two infants died in Samoa after receiving vaccinations against measles, mumps and rubella, raising local fears over the vaccine itself.

The rise is - in part - due to some parents shunning vaccines for philosophical or religious reasons, or concerns, debunked by medical science, that vaccines are linked to autism.

"These deaths were due to human error. But the fact that you had two children die on the same day in the same institution, obviously caused a great deal of distrust towards the health system and towards vaccinations.

Delving into the specifics of injection moulding reveals a complex yet elegant process. It's a ballet of machinery, materials, and meticulous control, choreographed to produce precision medical devices.

Before the introduction of a vaccine in 1963, "major epidemics occurred approximately every 2-3 years and measles caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year", according to the WHO.

The medical industry has found a steadfast ally in injection moulding. Elia Guidorzi, international marketing executive at Tecni Waterjet discusses how this technique plays a crucial role in healthcare advancements.

Vaccination rates - meaning the number of young children covered - recently dropped to a low of only 31%, external in Samoa, compared to 99% in nearby Nauru, Niue, and Cook Islands.

These include the intended use, the environment in which the device will operate, and the complexities of human anatomy.

Injection moulding in medical device manufacturing isn't just a process; it's a pillar of modern medicine. Its role, often understated, is undeniably critical, shaping the future of healthcare one device at a time. As technology advances, so will the capabilities of injection moulding, promising even more innovative and life-changing medical devices.

Although effective and safe vaccination is available, even some developed countries have seen a resurgence in recent years.

The industry is making strides towards sustainability, reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining product quality.

The epidemic has also seen a surge in alternative medicines touted as cures. Some reports suggest vitamin products or alkalised water are being sold as treatment.

But the deaths were later established to have been due to the nurses mixing the vaccine with an expired muscle relaxant, instead of water.

Although measles deaths worldwide have fallen sharply since the 1960s, the World Health Organization has warned of a comeback around the world since 2017.

Quality control is the guardian angel of injection moulding, ensuring each product meets the highest standards of safety and efficacy.