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Defence
MEDIA RELEASE

Australian Defence Force engineer and environmental health teams have commenced operations in some of Banda Aceh’s displaced persons camps to address critical needs on location.

The teams are focusing on basic sanitation and shelter requirements in selected camps, delivering assistance to camps housing those Acehnese worst affected by the tsunami.

"The Indonesian authorities have established the camps as a top priority for aid efforts," Group Captain John Samulski, Deputy Commander of Australian forces operating in Sumatra said.

"The ADF teams are part of a coordinated approach with Indonesian authorities and non-government aid organisations to improve overall conditions in some of the displaced persons camps," he said.

Some of the camps are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitos and there is an urgent need to address this to prevent outbreaks of malaria and dengue fever. ADF environmental health teams will be tackling the mosquito problem primarily to reduce the potential for vector-borne disease outbreaks.

The engineers will be looking at basic constructions such as toilets, wash points and the provision of a clean water supply.

Vision and images of ADF teams working in Banda Aceh’s displaced persons camps are available at www.defence.gov.au/optsunamiassist. Interviews with team members should be requested through Major Matt Grant on 0407 901 468 or +62 8136 2416 923.

Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999
Fax: 02 6265 6946
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