11 April 2007
HEALTH AND SANITATION- THE NEXT RELIEF CHALLENGE
Health and sanitation experts have begun the next phase in helping communities affected by the tsunami in Western and Choiseul Provinces.
Six Australian medical teams and water and sanitation experts are now working in the disaster affected areas in both provinces as part of the local and international relief effort.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Peter Hooton, today said that clean water and sanitation, and basic health care are priorities.
Mr Hooton said Australia is working with the Solomon Islands Government, local agencies including the Solomon Islands Police Force, and international teams to provide relief.
“Water, sanitation and medical teams, including specialists from the Australian military, have travelled to communities in urgent need of care,” Mr Hooton said.
“The Australian military medical team arrived in Sasamungga in Choiseul three days ago and established a mobile field hospital to assist and care for local residents, some of whom sustained bad injuries when the tsunami hit.
“Another military team is working in and around Gizo. This team and a group of Canadian doctors have been sent to the badly affected islands of Simbo, Ranongga and Vella Lavella.
“Australia has also deployed medical teams to work in Taro and the Shortland Islands, and Munda and Rendova. An AusAID funded anaesthetist is also working with local and international doctors at Munda Hospital treating patients requiring surgery.”
Mr Hooton said Australia was providing financial assistance to World Vision for water and sanitation assessments in Western and Choiseul provinces. World Vision has already begun work in the camps to ensure that people who’ve lost their homes have clean water and proper toilet facilities.
Another Australian C-130 military aircraft flew to Munda this afternoon carrying water and medical supplies. This is the fourth Australian C-130 landing at Munda airstrip since the earthquakes occurred.
Mr Hooton said Australians are concerned about the welfare of victims of the tsunami and will continue to do what they can to help.