Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Health emergency in PNG’s Morobe area under control

Posted at 02:19 on 18 September, 2009 UTC

The Provincial Health Administrator in Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea says he believes they have simultaneous disease outbreaks under control.

Dr Likei Theo says there have been no deaths reported as a result of cholera, shigella and influenza for the past two weeks.

The death toll is estimated at 120 with thousands still affected but treatment is being provided by a wide range of PNG and international agencies.

The area is under a public health emergency and Dr Theo says people have responded positively to their calls for improved hygiene to rein in the spread of the diseases.

“Over the last two weeks or so, since the campaign started, many people have received the informations and information dissemination is still continuing. Up in the remotest villages in the district people are conducting awareness now. Our officials, plus communities, plus NGOs like church groups and other partners. They are heavily involved.”

Dr Likei Theo in Morobe Province