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Updated 4 May 2012, 10:30 AEST

It's a very simple measure to prevent malaria, but it is also very effective.

The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research has found that sleeping under a bed net that's been treated with insecticides stops mosquitos spreading malaria.

The nets have been so effective that the prevalence of malaria infections in the community has decreased dramatically, from over 12 percent in 2009 to below eight percent in 2011.

Presenter:Geraldine Coutts

By Africa correspondent Ginny Stein

As famine spreads across Africa's Sahel region, aid agencies are warning they are now facing a multi-million-dollar shortfall in dealing with the crisis.

A lethal mix of sporadic rains, soaring food prices, regional conflict and chronic deepening poverty has left more than 13 million people short of food in the drought-ridden region.

With no prospect of a harvest any time soon and the spectre of long-overdue and damaging rains expected in the coming months, getting food to those in need is proving a major logistical challenge.

The non-government organisation Habitat for Humanity has begun a project which it hopes will see it become the lead aid agency when providing emergency shelter and housing in the Pacific region.

In 2009, after the Samoa Tsunami wiped out villages along the country's South coast, Habitat's volunteers were amongst those helping with the rebuilding effort.

Now it wants to use that on-the-job experience to provide quick shelter for those who might be affected by future disasters.

Presenter: Pacific Correspondent, Campbell Cooney

Niue's department of health has reported its first outbreak of dengue fever in twenty years.

Manila Nosa, Acting Director of Health hopes the outbreak has now peaked at the 47 reported cases.

Presenter:Geraldine Coutts

Speaker:Manila Nosa, Acting Director of Health, Niue

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Vietnam says it will ask for international help to find out what is causing a skin infection that has already killed 19 people.

More than 170 others have become ill with the mystery infection.

The disease first emerged last year then subsided, but it has broken out again in an impoverished, mountainous part of Quang Ngai Province.

It begins with a rash on the hands and feet.

If it is not treated early it can result in liver problems and multiple organ failure.

Over the weekend flood warning were issued again as a low pressure system moved across the islands.

Just over two weeks on from the record flooding in the Western Division some people are still waiting for first help to reach them.

Volunteers from the Sevashram Sangha Fiji organisation are being met by the blank faces of flood victims in some towns and villages.

The relief agency is delivering food and other assistance and hearing tales of desparation from some people who have lost everything - three times in the last three years.

Radio Australia
Updated 5 April 2012, 10:16 AEST

Disaster relief and recovery work is underway in Fiji following the devastating floods, especially in the western division.

Presenter: Geraldine Coutts

Speaker: Pacific Beat's Bruce Hill in Suva, Fiji

As the floodwaters recede in Fiji's Western District, sugar canegrowers are starting to calculate the cost.

A large part of what remain's of the sugar industry is based in the Western District.

In 2009 it was hit a devastating blow by floodwaters, which not only destroyed crops, but also caused major damage to cane mills, and it has been a slow path to recover from that disaster.

Now the General Secretary of the grower's association Bala Dass, says these floods will have an even bigger impact.

Presenter:Campbell Cooney

Fiji authorities says a co-ordinated approach is needed to ensure the safety of Fijians and tourists as the weather emergency continues.

The says people need to to work together as the tropical cyclone warning remains in place.

Presenter:Wayne Shields

Speaker:Colonial Inia Seruiratu, permanent secretary of the Fiji Ministry of Provincial Development

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