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MOH will co-ordinate NZ response if Queensland calls for health assistance

The New Zealand Government has been quick to offer assistance to Queensland authorities.

Co-ordinated by the Prime Minister’s department, others closely involved include the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Fire, Defence, and the Ministry of Health.

Prime Minister John Key has emphasised it is important that any Kiwi assistance does not get in the way of efforts by Queensland to implement a well planned and coordinated response. It is important that any NZ health assistance is part of the health response led by Queensland health authorities.

MOH has systems in place to process any requests for health assistance from Australia, to liaise with relevant parties to identify their capability and capacity to provide assistance.

The initial recovery period may cover many months, and health-related issues may include emergency management and logistics, public health protection (eg sanitation, mosquito-borne illnesses), the provision of health services at evacuation centres and issues concerning support and welfare.