MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce a new package of assistance to help Pacific Island
countries address the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.
While the reported cases of HIV/AIDS in the region remain relatively few,
health experts agree that conditions are ripe for the pandemic to spread. The
new AusAID package of projects will support Pacific island governments,
non-government organisations and communities in the challenge to deal with the
spread of HIV/AIDS.
Three integrated projects are being supported:
Melbourne's internationally-respected Macfarlane Burnet Centre for
Medical Research will provide training and advice on analysis and strategic
planning to strengthen national responses.The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisation will join with the AIDS
Task Force of Fiji to share their experience in community AIDS education
with NGOs from across the Pacific.The South Pacific Commission, which plays an important regional
networking and coordination role, will be supported to provide a new
three-year support program helping island countries to develop and implement
prevention and control strategies.
These three projects fit well with the course set by the SPC's draft Pacific
Regional AIDS Strategy. Mechanisms will also be established to ensure
coordination between the three projects and other regional and national
initiatives. A total of $2.8 million has been allocated from the Australian aid
program administered by AusAID, the Australian Agency for International
Development.
Public health is a priority area for AusAID's work in the Pacific region. The
Australian Government is committed to assisting Pacific island governments and
communities to tackle their health priorities. This year AusAID will provide
about $18 million for health projects in the Pacific islands, excluding Papua
New Guinea where substantial additional funds are allocated.
SUVA
Media contact: Innes Willox (Minister's
office) 06 277 7500 / 0411 414 695 Geoff Adlide (AusAID) 06 206 4967 Dennis
Rounds (Australian Embassy, Suva) 382 211