Fiji typhoid effort after floods

Relief work has started in Fiji to prevent the outbreak of typhoid following recent flooding in the country.

The ministry of health is working with the Fiji Red Cross to administer typhoid vaccinations and medical support.

Support has been pledged by New Zealand and Australia for the project, which will see the distribution of 5,000 hygiene packs to families living in the worst affected areas.

Alison Cupit, director of the Fiji Red Cross, said that as well as providing assistance, the organisation is hoping to offer advice and guidance on how to avoid further health problems.

She explained that the hygiene packs contain "antibacterial soap, towels and information leaflets on the importance of hand washing, as well as disaster preparedness".

"This is to help evacuees resettle and restart their lives after such a horrendous experience."

Severe storms in Fiji caused floods and landslides last week, with reports that up to 10,000 people have been evacuated.

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