New citizen offers cash to fight Sars

By THERESA GARNER

One of New Zealand's newest citizens is putting $100,000 of his own money into stopping the spread of Sars, because of fears that Chinese New Zealanders are in the dark over the illness.

The money will go towards educating the Chinese community in New Zealand and helping Sars-afflicted regions in China.

A goal is to reduce any backlash against the Chinese community, who have been blamed for spreading the virus in some countries.

Property developer Thomas Wang, who has been a citizen for two years, launched the New Zealand Chinese Sars Concern Foundation in Auckland yesterday, and said concern at economic repercussions between the countries was behind the move.

The foundation will spread information about the virus through public meetings, Chinese radio programmes, Chinese websites and articles in Chinese print media. Chinese Lifeline will assist those with Sars-related stress.

The foundation patron, National MP Pansy Wong, said the Chinese community was among those most at risk because friends and relatives were coming and going from parts of the world most affected by Sars.

Travellers needed to take proper precautions and when they returned be aware of symptoms.

"If the campaign saves only one life it will be worthwhile," said Mrs Wong.

The Ministry of Health's targeting of Chinese people had "not been that co-ordinated".

Calls from Chinese people unsure how to react to the threat of the illness had flooded her office.

"They just do not believe they are getting enough information."

Health Minister Annette King said in a letter to Mrs Wong last week the ministry was committed to getting information to as many people as possible. "It is aware of the need to get this information to Chinese communities and is always open to suggestions on ways to reach people in these communities."

The ministry has emailed information to Asian media in Auckland and is working with the Auckland Medical Officer of Health, Wilson Young, to distribute information.

It had sent information to Asian complementary medicine providers.

Dr Young has been encouraging people to refer to the Hong Kong Department of Health website for information in traditional and simplified Chinese characters.