Updated January 31, 2011 18:22:13

An Australian Red Cross nurse and aid worker says it's frustrating seeing people in Papua New Guinea's Western Province dying of a preventable disease like cholera.

Libby Bowell, who was in the area assisting the PNG Red Cross cope with a cholera outbreak, says basic knowledge about hygiene and access to good quality drinking water are what's needed to contain the disease.

But she says there are huge difficulties in combating the spread of cholera in such a remote area, and its clear the PNG Red Cross is going to need help.

Presenter: Bruce Hill

Period covered by this update: Update till the 30 May 2010

Summary: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) extension was granted on 7 October 2009 for CHF 359,058 to the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society to reach 300,000 people in 13 out of 20 provinces. Initially, CHF 43,878 (EUR 28,923 or USD 41,339) was allocated from DREF to support the Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society (PNGRCS) in delivering immediate assistance to some 5,000 beneficiaries on 7 September 2009 in response to the outbreak.

DARU, 23 November 2010 (IRIN) - Health workers have set up oral rehydration salt (ORS) tents and a cholera treatment centre on this tiny island in western Papua New Guinea, all the while advising people to "boil your drinking water, wash your hands, and cook your food", in a bid to control an outbreak that has killed dozens in this region.

Of the 870 reported cases at Daru hospital on this island in Western Province, near Australia, there are now 30 confirmed deaths, but the outbreak is described as under control by health workers.

There is, however, growing concern over

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS - KEVIN RUDD

The Australian Government is providing comprehensive emergency support to the Government of Papua New Guinea, in response to a confirmed outbreak of cholera on Daru Island, in PNG's Western Province.

Further medical supplies and emergency experts will arrive in Papua New Guinea tomorrow from Australia to provide additional support.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd today said containing the outbreak was important.

'We are sending more supplies of intravenous fluids, oral salts and water purification tablets as well emergency experts.

PORT MORESBY, 11 November 2010 (IRIN) - Cholera has spread to the coastal town of Daru in Papua New Guinea (PNG)'s Western Province - close to Australia - claiming 16 lives and hospitalizing hundreds, according to the National Department of Health.

On 11 November, the government confirmed a cholera outbreak in Daru; 300 people have been treated in hospital since the first case was reported there at end-October. The Health Department's acting secretary, Paul Dopsie, said treated cases were "under control" in Daru and surrounding villages. Additional medical supplies and staff

This report covers the period 01/01/10 to 30/06/10.

In brief

Programme summary:

Cross sectoral initiatives during this period include:

- A dialogue with the Pacific Island Forum on potential cooperation initiatives.

- Delivery of the regional Community Resilience Forum, aimed at improving understanding of members in integrated approaches to working with communities.

- A monthly regional newsletter contributed to sharing best practice and improved coordination between Pacific members and Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners.

- A monthly roster of travel by all

The cholera epidemic in Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, is getting worse.

At least seven people have died and there are now said to be as many as 600 suspected cases that have been detected since August, in coastal villages around Port Moresby.

Last month, PNG's Health Minister declared a public health emergency in the capital, and at the time, there were media reports that funds to fight the epidemic had dried up.

A Health Specialist with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in PNG, David Thomson, says the problem is again,

Papua New Guinea's Minister of Health says he is confident the cholera outbreak in Port Moresby is under control.

Authorities declared a public health emergency last week after five people died.

The country has been battling cholera in the northern provinces of Madang, Morobe and East Sepik since August last year.

This report covers the period 1 January to 31 December 2009

In brief

Programme summary: The Pacific region experienced both large and small disasters in 2009. In the first two months of the year, Pacific Red Cross national societies responded to flooding in Fiji caused by a tropical depression; flooding caused by sea swells in Papua New Guinea and Kiribati; and devastating bushfires in Australia. Later in the year, teams were mobilized to provide immediate relief and ongoing psychological support to survivors of the sinking of the Princess