MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
I am pleased to announce Australia will provide $10 million to the Institute
of Medical Research in Goroka, Papua New Guinea to allow it to continue
ground-breaking research into malaria vaccines.
The funding recognises in particular the work done by the Institute over the
past five years in conducting malaria vaccine trials in the Wosera area of
Maprik District of East Sepik Province. This research involved the testing of
potential malaria vaccines developed in Australia.
Through the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), the
funding will be allocated over five years to support the operational costs and
ongoing work of the Institute, which also carries out research into a range of
other health conditions.
The Institute is involved in a number of programs in close collaboration with
Australian institutions including Macfarlane Burnet Centre, Walter and Eliza
Hall Institute of Medical Research, Monash and Melbourne Universities and
Queensland Institute of Medical Research.
Malaria is a serious public health problem and a main cause of child death in
Papua New Guinea. It causes a wide range of conditions such as anemia and
malnutrition as well as having a significant impact on the productivity of
affected individuals in the community. The problem has become much worse in
recent years because of the emergence of strains of the malaria parasite that
are resistant to more traditional forms of treatment. As a result attention is
now being given to the development of malaria vaccines.
My announcement coincides with a strategic meeting in Melbourne this week of
members of the international Malaria Vaccine Initiative. The Initiative is
funded by the multi-billion dollar Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and seeks
to speed up the development of promising malaria vaccines and ensure that they
are available for the developing world. In recognition of Australia's role in
vaccines and immunisation, the group has chosen to hold its Strategic Advisory
Council meeting in Melbourne.
During 1999-2000 AusAID's total expenditure on malaria control, prevention
and research was $12.2 million. In recent years malaria programs have been
running in the Pacific, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Africa.
Australia's support for health programs in developing countries now accounts for
12 percent of overall aid expenditure.
Media contacts:
Melissa Moore (Office of the Parliamentary Secretary) 0408 680 442
Greg Clough (AusAID) 02 6206 4220 / 0417 683 126