Government response to cholera outbreak in Papua (4 Aug 2008)

Franciscans International, A Non-Governmental Organization at the United Nations
Aug. 4, 2008

A cholera outbreak ‹first registered in April 2008 in Dogiyai District‹has claimed 173 lives over the last four months, and may soon affect indigenous Papuans living in the neighboring regency of Paniai. The Office for Justice and Peace of the Catholic Diocese of Jayapura (SKP) is alarmed that despite the gravity of the situation, the local health authorities have not taken the necessary measures to prevent and control the outbreak.

Furthermore, this outbreak has already led to a violent riot in Moanemani, due to the indigenous Papuans¹ reactions to the lack of attention to their dire situation, and their attacks, based on suspicions, against the migrant population.

In an urgent appeal to Mr. Anand Grover, the Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Franciscans International has urged Mr. Grover to urge the Indonesian government to provide immediate health assistance to individuals and families affected by the cholera outbreak as well as those at risk; instruct the local health authorities to take immediate measures of prevention and control; investigate the causes behind the outbreak; and provide the necessary health infrastructure, personnel and investment so all the population in Papua, particularly indigenous Papuans, enjoy the highest attainable standard of health.

The lack of health infrastructure, personnel and investment reflects a general pattern of deprivation of the right to the highest attainable standard of health affecting indigenous Papuans.