9 Sep 2009

PNG declares emergency in disease-hit province

9:13 pm on 9 September 2009

Papua New Guinea has declared a public health emergency in Morobe province, allowing more resources to be made available to combat diseases.

According to the government, 90 people have died in outbreaks of shigella bacteria and cholera.

Health Minister Sasa Zibe declared the emergency after extensive consultations with the government executive, the World Health Organisation, local leaders and AusAID, Radio New Zealand International reports.