AMA President, A/Prof Brian Owler, said that the growing international humanitarian crisis emanating from the Ebola outbreak in West Africa demands a more significant response from the Australian Government.
A/Prof Owler said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) this week declared the outbreak a ‘Public Health Emergency of International Concern’.
“We are witnessing an evolving international humanitarian crisis,” A/Prof Owler said.
“Our response has to be more than protecting our borders from any potential spread of the virus to our shores.
“As a global citizen, it is our duty to help contain the spread of the disease and assist the victims.
“Australia should be providing greater financial assistance to assist containment efforts, and we should also be sending teams of medical and health professionals to help treat the thousands of people, across several countries, affected by this deadly disease.
“The AMA acknowledges the recent commitment of $1 million by the Australian Government, but bit is clear now that much more needs to be provided.
“A priority would be to get skilled medical and health professionals – with medical equipment and medicines – on the ground as soon as possible.
“If the Government can get military arms airlifted to northern Iraq at short notice, surely we can airlift medical arms and legs to West Africa just as quickly to save lives.
“The Ebola emergency is on the verge of becoming a major international public health crisis.
“Australia and other developed nations must show leadership and act immediately to provide greater support to WHO and the people of West Africa affected by this human tragedy,” A/Prof Owler said.