European Commission allocates 2.6 million PGK in humanitarian aid for victims in PNG of cholera, dysentery and Influenza A

The European Commission has adopted a €650,000 (2.6 million PGK) humanitarian aid decision for the victims of the outbreak of various diseases in Papua New Guinea. The funds will provide much needed help to those who are suffering most and will aim at stopping the spread of the diseases further. The funds are managed by the Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) under the responsibility of Commissioner Karel de Gucht. They are likely to be channelled through 'Doctors  Without Borders', the WHO and UNICEF.

The European Commission' humanitarian support will concentrate on Morobe (particularly the Menyamya district) and the Eastern Highlands Provinces, the areas where the diseases have occurred so far. However, people in other parts of the country could also be supported, if necessary. Due to the weakness of local structures and remoteness of beneficiaries, assistance is necessary to contain the spreading of the diseases by improving, and where necessary, setting-up efficient surveillance systems, by providing means for the appropriate case management, protection of health personnel, as well as undertaking a public awareness campaign. This includes setting up cholera units in existing hospitals, providing sufficient human resources and technical assistance, medicines, logistics, immediate improvement of water and sanitation conditions, especially at health structures and schools.
Background

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reported the first cases of cholera and flu-related (influenza A, H3N2) outbreaks on 3 September 2009 in Morobe Province and on 9 September in the Eastern Highlands, together with an outbreak of dysentery. The two diseases have since then been spreading in the area. At the same time, in the Menyamya district, dysentery and a flu-related outbreak occurred. The Ministry of Health of Papua New Guinea declared a ‘State of Public Health Emergency’ in Morobe Province on 9 September. Shortly after, ECHO experts went on an assessment sent a mission to the country to assess the situation and meet relevant stakeholders and partners.

This new funding decision follows a previous allocation in 2009 providing emergency humanitarian aid for people affected by floods in Fiji and the Solomon Islands and tidal waves in Papua New Guinea. In the framework of its commitment to disaster risk reduction, the European Commission will shortly launch a new disaster preparedness programme (DIPECHO) for the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea.
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