MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I will visit Bangkok on 11 July to co-chair the Second Asia-Pacific Ministerial Meeting on HIV/AIDS. The meeting will be opened by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and will bring together more than 30 foreign and health ministers from across the region.
HIV/AIDS presents a huge health challenge for our entire region. While some countries suffer more than others now, we must all work together - because this is an issue that knows no borders.
Australia continues to play a leading role in regional efforts to contain the virus. I convened the first Asia-Pacific Ministerial Meeting in Melbourne in 2001.
We have been the driving force behind the Asia Pacific Leadership Forum on HIV/AIDS and Development. The Forum has given regional leaders the opportunity to work together on measures to stop the spread of the disease.
High-level political commitment and leadership will be critical if the region is to meet the ongoing challenge of HIV/AIDS.
The Bangkok meeting will ensure that the issue of HIV/AIDS continues to be treated as a priority by regional leaders.
I will also take the opportunity to meet with Richard Feacham, Executive Director of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. In February this year Australia announced a contribution of $25 million to the Global Fund in an excellent example of the partnerships needed to tackle HIV/AIDS.
At the time Dr Feacham spoke glowingly about Australia's leadership in the region in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
The Australian Government looks forward to working with all our partners to help combat this serious health problem.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Minister's Office) 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489