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Respond to this message Return to Baord Original Message PNG cholera outbreak worsens Anonymous Posted Dec 12, 2009 12:33 PM PNG cholera outbreak worsens By PNG correspondent Liam Fox Posted December 12, 2009 11:19:00 An international aid agency says more resources are needed to combat Papua New Guinea's worsening outbreak of cholera. Since it was detected in Morobe province in August, cholera has spread 500 kilometres to the East Sepik province. In September the Government declared a public health emergency and committed $5 million to combating the disease, but none of the promised money has been released. Aid agency Oxfam is handing out hygiene kits and establishing water catchments in East Sepik, where at least eight people have died and 280 others have been infected. But program coordinator Andrew Rankin says more resources are needed. "We are working like firefighters putting out spot fires instead of being able to really pull through with a very comprehensive response," he said. Mr Rankin says Oxfam might not be able to continue its efforts beyond next January. PNG health minister Sasa Zibe says the funding delay is the fault of lazy bureaucrats in the treasury, planning and health departments. Health secretary Clement Malau says he is hoping a cheque for more than $1 million from the planning department will be cleared in the coming days. Login Status You are not logged in Login Password   Optional Provides additional benefits such as notifications, signatures, and user authentication. Create Account Your Name Your Email (Optional) Message Title Message Text Options Also send responses to my email address