Kiwis sign up to help fight Ebola

Healthcare professionals at Auckland City Hospital train for possible treatment of an Ebola infection. Photo / Michael Craig

More than 80 New Zealanders have registered their interest in joining the international fight against Ebola, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says.

"There has been a very high level of response from New Zealanders who are keen to support the Australian-flagged mission to Sierra Leone to operate a 100-bed Ebola treatment centre," he said.

"People with a range of skills have registered, including nurses, GPs, pharmacists, and administrators."

While the initial period for expressions of interest closed today, people could continue to submit applications via the Ministry of Health's website.

The Government announced last month it would facilitate the deployment of up to 24 New Zealanders as part of the country's $2 million practical contribution to international efforts to combat Ebola in West Africa.

"The Australian Government has contracted Aspen Medical, a private medical provider, to select, train, contract and deploy the volunteers," Dr Coleman said.

"Aspen will contact prospective volunteers directly to discuss their suitability once all the details of the deployment have been confirmed."

The first deployment of New Zealand based personnel was expected to take place in the new year.