Zibe appeals for proper waste disposal systems

Lae News, Normal

THE public is advised to start building and using toilets and to have proper waste disposal systems in their communities to curb the continuing spread of cholera.
Health Minister Sasa Zibe gave the advice as the cholera outbreak continued to spread in Morobe, Madang and East Sepik provinces.
Mr Zibe said water supply sources for household consumption must be kept free of contamination by human and animal waste.
He said the simple act of washing hands before handling food and after using the toilets, and the boiling of water before consumption were rules that the public need to adhere to daily.
This acts may seem small but it can save lives in the long run and people must be responsible for their own health.
Mr Zibe said of the K3 million released by the Department of National Planning last year, K1,150,000 had already been released to the three provinces with Morobe getting K370,000, Madang K401,000 and East Sepik K379,000.
The rest of the provinces will be receiving K50,000 each to fund plans for the cholera outbreak and awareness.
Mr Zibe said to date, East Sepik, Angoram and Wewak districts, Murik Lakes and recently Ambunti district were affected by the water-borne disease.
A total of 527 cases have been reported with 16 deaths.
Non-governmental organisations and the World Health Organisation are providing support to contain the spread.