The World Health Organization (WHO) Thursday warned that people in tsunami-hit Aceh Province, Indonesia, should be alerted to disease outbreaks.

People must have a strong sense to prevent the disease outbreaks, said WHO Director of Health Action in Crises David Nabarro.

"We must be vigilant of a risk of disease outbreaks," he told reporters.

The Director said that WHO was working closely with the provincial health department, non-government organizations and other units to improve the environment in the province.

Nabarro said that WHO had sent many senior officials to make cooperation with the provincial government officials.

"I am sure we can make rapid progress in this way," he said.

"Our main commitment here is to help upgrade the provincial public health system that is required by Indonesia."

To prevent children from suffering measles, malaria and diarrhea, Nabarro said that WHO is cooperating with the United Nation Children's Fund (UNICEF) in giving them immunizations.
 
(Xinhua News Agency February 4, 2005)