Today I announce that the first patient successfully treated at the Australian-funded Ebola clinic in Sierra Leone has been discharged with a clean bill of health.
Eleven year old Aminata Bangura was collected from the clinic by family members last week, having fully recovered from Ebola. Tragically, Aminata has lost several of her family members to the deadly disease. Her father paid tribute to the dedication of Australian and New Zealand clinic staff, who are working to put an end to this epidemic. Clinic staff have set up a hand print wall for the survivors - Aminata’s is now the first print on the wall.
The Australian-managed Ebola Treatment Centre at Hastings Airfield, near Freetown in Sierra Leone opened in December 2014. The clinic has admitted 37 patients to date and 26 patients are currently receiving treatment. As well as Aminata, two other patients have been successfully treated to date.
I also thank and welcome home the first Australian health workers who have returned to Australia after their deployment. In line with national, state and territory guidelines, the health of returning workers will be closely monitored to ensure their well-being, and that of the broader Australian public. Our best wishes are with the Australian health professionals currently working at the Hastings Airfield clinic.
Australia's total contribution to the Ebola response is now at $45 million, including $23 million to manage and staff the Ebola Treatment Centre in Sierra Leone.
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