Team ready for Menyamya ops

PUBLIC private partnership is always crucial during emergencies and the outbreak of dysentery, influenza and cholera in Menyamya and Tewai-Siassi areas of Morobe province is no exception as national surveillance teams prepare to be dispatched on Friday.
Acting Health secretary Dr Paison Dakulala confirmed this yesterday, saying a comprehensive on-the-ground assessment was planned to be carried out extensively in affected areas.
Dr Dakulala said the amount of Government funding would depend on assessment work being carried out with all requirements  finalised.
This included the work by technical officers to ensure first-hand treatment for the sick and at the same time see what was being done in terms of awareness for villagers by provincial health workers.
Dr Dakulala added that Health Minister Sasa Zibe expected a budget plan for this exercise by the end of the week before emergency funding could be allocated.
He said the exact amount could not be given, adding that Mr Zibe had emphasised Health Department must budget within what it could allocate to assist Morobe province at this time.
Additional funding would be sought from other government bodies if necessary.
Once budget was approved and released, teams comprising headquarters, provincial health, World Health Organisation (WHO), Médecins Sans Frontières and National Disaster Centre teams would be dispatched by the end of the week.
The Department of Defence would be on standby.
Medical supplies including antibiotics, IV fluids and H1N1 drug Tamiflu are expected to reach the affected communities tomorrow.
Logistics, communications, administration technicians and health awareness team is expected to join the provincial teams in Menyamya and Tewai-Siassi districts by Friday to begin a comprehensive surveillance assessment.