PQ 9. Ebola, International Response—New Zealand Volunteers [Sitting date: 09 December 2014. Volume:702;Page:9. Text is subject to correction.]

9. SCOTT SIMPSON (National—Coromandel) to the Minister of Health : What response has the Government received to its call for volunteers to help combat Ebola in affected countries?

Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN (Minister of Health): On November 17 the Government announced that it would be deploying up to 24 volunteers to travel to West Africa as part of the international response to help combat the spread of Ebola. This is part of a $2 million contribution towards an Australian-flagged Ebola treatment centre in Sierra Leone. Registrations of interest closed on Sunday and I am pleased to announce that there has been a fantastic response, with 82 New Zealanders registering an expression of interest to be a volunteer.

Scott Simpson : What systems are in place to ensure the safety of these volunteers?

Hon Dr JONATHAN COLEMAN : New Zealand volunteers will receive the best possible pre-deployment training, and the Ministry of Health will be monitoring their progress and welfare before, during, and after their deployment. The Government has ensured that our people will have access to a British National Health Service - standard facility in Sierra Leone in the unlikely event that they should become unwell, as well as guaranteed medevac to Europe.

ENDS

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