Media availability - January 10, 2005

Remarks by Dr. Andrea Ellis

Manager, Outbreak Response, Public Health Agency of Canada

Check against delivery

I was asked to respond to the Canadian Ambassador to Thailand's request for public health support from the Public Health Agency of Canada. The main objectives of the mission were to evaluate the disease risks, determine the extent of surveillance in place and how, if at all, Canada could provide assistance.

During a full briefing from a communicable disease specialist with the Thai Ministry of Health, I learned the Thai government had been able to enhanced their communicable disease surveillance capacity by sending 100 extra public health professionals to the area.

Regarding communicable disease threats, several initiatives were in place to prevent illness and identify problems quickly. These included the provision of bottled water, a vaccination campaign and daily visits to hospitals and sites housing displaced people to look for disease. It was clear the Thai government had the situation well in-hand and were not asking for any technical support. The one area where assistance was needed was in mental health support for the victims and their families. Our Embassy had already addressed this need by bringing in a Canadian psychologist to counsel Canadian victims, volunteers and Embassy staff.

No disease outbreaks have been reported to date from the affected areas. We will continue to monitor the situation and are willing to dispatch help if required.

On a personal note, after spending time in both Bangkok and Phuket, I was deeply moved by the scope of the response being mounted by so many governments and NGO's to help the people affected by this disaster. In Phuket, every embassy had pulled together a makeshift office to receive people in need. Food and supplies were being distributed, computers with internet connections were available for people to write home, the phone company was offering free international calls, Thai airways offered free flights to Bangkok and photocopiers were in place to make the many posters of missing people.

I have also developed a deep respect for the many Canadian Embassy staff, their family members and other Canadians living in the area who have all worked tirelessly to support those affected by this disaster. They were on the ground from day one and are committed to continue this effort as long as required.

• Remarks by Dr. Paul Gully
• Remarks by Dr. Butler-Jones

Biography

• Dr. Andrea Ellis