Australia commits $500k to combat Zika Virus in Pacific Islands

Australia will donate up to $500k to combat the Zika virus as part of an aid package to Pacific islands countries to stop Zika from spreading.

The initial focus of fighting the virus would be in Tonga said the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Hon. Steven Ciobo, said in a statement released on 7 February, after it was confirmed five people contracted the virus and 259 cases were suspected last week in Tonga.

“The Government of Tonga is already undertaking a national response program and our assistance will help it reduce the spread of the virus,” he said.

Tonga’s chief medical officer, Dr Reynold Ofanoa said there were no confirmed cases of Zika until last week and he told Reuters that an infected person had probably brought the virus into the country.

Australia will work in partnership with the Tonga Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation (WHO) to control the virus and also increase access to testing.

Mr Ciobo said 4000 insecticide-treated mosquito nets will be part of pre-positioned emergency health supplies for the most vulnerable including pregnant women and activities such as clean up days to remove standing water where mosquitoes breed would be organised.

The Zika virus is strongly suspected to be linked to a birth defect where infants are born with microcephaly – small heads which can cause development problems.

Zika has been declared as an international health emergency by WHO and no vaccine is available to stop the virus.

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