18 Jan 2005

PNG's Disaster Centre provides moquito nets for Manam Island evacuees

11:14 am on 18 January 2005

Papua New Guinea's National Disaster Centre has provided mosquito nets to Manam Island evacuees to prevent the spread of malaria.

Manam Islanders were evacuated to mainland care centres after the island's volcano erupted in late October.

But recent outbreaks of malaria in mainland care camps has resulted in deaths, particularly among children.

The Centre's acting dirctor Martin Mose says they have acted to help stop the spread of the disease.

"We've been able to supply the required mosquito nets that we thought would be the first obvious thing that needs to be there, that's been done. And other medical services are now being looked into like medical teams have to boost the number on the ground."

Martin Mose says PNG Defence Personnel will also assist in care camps later this week.

Mr Mose says volcanologists are still re-assessing the volcano's activity, to determine whether its safe enough for people to return.