Australian aid workers heading to West Africa to fight Ebola want the government to send more help. Source: AAP
TWO Australian aid workers are on their way to West Africa to join the fight against Ebola and want more Australians to do the same despite the federal government’s fears.
THE Abbott government has so far refused to send practical help, citing the lack of evacuation processes to ensure the safe return of any Australians infected.
But Queensland doctor Matt Caffery and Victorian nurse Kim Heriot are joining a Save the Children contingent in Liberia. “The Australian government response to date has been financial,” Dr Caffery said. “However, it would be better to see our own people on the ground using their world-class skills and resources to help fight this disease and help the people suffering.” Ms Heriot will work in a Community Care Centre in one of Liberia’s most affected areas, treating and isolating patients with suspected Ebola. “I have never worked overseas before so this is a new chapter in my nursing career,” she said. Save the Children say there are intensive pre-deployment training and stringent guidelines in place to protect frontline aid workers.