A contingent of Australian health workers will travel to Ebola-stricken West Africa today to man a government-funded care facility.
Canberra-based company Aspen Medical has been given $20 million by the Government to run the 100-bed facility in Sierra Leone.
Fit-out of the centre is expected to be completed within weeks.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said those leaving today had extensive experience in disease control and would complete comprehensive Ebola treatment training in Africa.
“We have in place appropriate standards,” she said.
“For example, if any of our health workers tragically would contract Ebola, we have in place evacuation plans and appropriate medical treatment for them in the UK.. we’re confident that our health workers can save lives.”
Paul Byleveld from the Australian Red Cross will be one those flying out to Sierra Leone.
He will work alongside other volunteer health workers to provide clean water and waste management services.
He expects tough but rewarding work.
“There is a lot of sadness, but out of it, a positive,” he said.
The United Nations says efforts to contain Ebola in West Africa are behind schedule.
Helen Szoke from Oxfam Australia said that meant that more support would be needed.
“As a country, we must remain open to sending additional personnel,” she said.
The Government continues to advise Australians to reconsider travel to Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, due to the Ebola threat.