Media Release
20 January 2011
Aspen Medical assists with Cholera Outbreak in PNG
Aspen Medical has been providing valuable assistance to the Cholera Emergency Response Committee for the Western Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to support their efforts to contain a severe Cholera outbreak sweeping through remote areas of the country.
Aspen Medical was contracted by AusAID to provide technical advice on water and sanitation measures for the immediate emergency response.
From November 2010 through to early January 2011, Aspen Medical’s team, including a Water and Sanitation Advisor, have been providing advice to help prevent the further spread of Cholera by identifying the factors that are contributing to the latest outbreak in the region.
The initial focus was on the island of Daru which is located near to Australia's Torres Strait. s the outbreak progressed, Aspen Medical further supported efforts to control the outbreak in remote regions along the Fly River delta in PNG.
Aspen Medical’s support included ensuring the municipal piped water supply on Daru was treated to a potable standard and working with authorities to advocate for an increase in access to potable water for the local residents.
Aspen Medical also oversaw the distribution of narrow neck water containers and soap to the affected population on Daru and other villages. During the Christmas and New Year period Aspen Medical worked alongside members of AusAID, the World Health Organisation and the local committee to continue assistance throughout the holiday season. Aspen Medical will continue to play an active role in monitoring this outbreak.
AusAID previously called on Aspen Medical to assist with another Cholera outbreak in PNG during September 2009.
Aspen Medical has also had extensive experience in managing international public health programs providing services for Australia Defence Force and Australian Federal Police personnel serving overseas in Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands.
