Jakarta – The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that health conditions in the disaster area of Aceh were improving, and that no major epidemics were likely, but all parties involved in medical relief should remain alert to possible outbreaks.

"Thanks to the collaboration between the government of Indonesia, medical volunteers and military personnel... health care has reached out to the people," said WHO representative for Indonesia Georg Peterson at the United Nations Media Center for Tsunami Relief here.

A WHO special envoy on tsunami relief for Indonesia, Eigil Sorensen, said that some cases of diarrhea, measles, malaria and tetanus had occurred in Aceh in the wake of the December 26 tsunami. However, the quick response of medical personnel, both Indonesian and foreign, in handling the diseases had helped prevent rapid spread of the diseases.

Peterson said that in order to prevent a possible outbreak, WHO was setting up a robust surveillance system to increase the response capacity of medical personnel. The organization has deployed a team of eight coordinators to operate the system, which would rely on data collected from the field.

Nevertheless, he warned that providing purified water, maintaining healthy refugee camps and cleaning up the debris of devastated buildings should be carried out as soon as possible. Puddles covered by debris could be ideal breeding areas for mosquitoes that might spread malaria and dengue.

He also said that spraying disinfectant in several areas would help prevent the spread of disease. "Previously, Aceh didn't have malaria. It has come out of debris and rubbish. So it is important to do proper prevention," said Peterson, who has deployed 50 persons working in Aceh.

Sorensen said in order to support prevention measures, WHO was setting up laboratories, which were vital to helping doctors analyze and diagnose diseases accurately. There are four laboratories set up at general and emergency hospitals, as well as the tents of International Committee for Red Cross (ICRC) in Banda Aceh and Meulaboh.

Peterson also stressed that his organization would help Indonesian health authorities and local health services resume their operations.

"The media has failed to highlight the enormous help of the Indonesian medics and volunteers. They have done a good job. Therefore, WHO believes that the Health Ministry and medical volunteers will be able to maintain the health situation in Aceh after the NGOs have gone away," said Peterson, who has appealed to UN headquarters for US$30 million in additional funds for relief work in tsunami-devastated areas in Asia.

The UN agency has planned to work in Aceh for a year, or until the health infrastructure has been sufficiently improved.

"We are not an NGO, who comes and goes in a flash. Our organization will support the Indonesian health system, until it can resume functioning. So, the period could be extended," said Sorensen. (006)