MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Billson
Australian funding of almost $12 million aims to save thousands of lives in the Asia-Pacific region, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson, said today on International World Health Day.
'This contribution will help people in the region fight against HIV/AIDS, maternal and child mortality, tuberculosis and malaria - all of which are major health problems in Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Indonesia and the Mekong countries,' Mr Billson said.
'If current trends continue, it is estimated that the number of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in the Asia-Pacific region will increase from half a million in 2001 to 11 million by 2010,' Mr Billson said.
'Australian funds will also be used to combat lymphatic filariasis, a parasitic disease caused by thread-like worms, which affects an estimated 20 per cent of the world's population and is at endemic levels in poorer countries in the region,' Mr Billson said.
'The funding will be allocated through the Australian Government's aid program, AusAID to work in partnership with multilateral health agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO).
'Over the past three years AusAID has worked with the World Health Organization to manage the outbreak of SARS in the Asia-Pacific and to support countries with preparedness for SARS and other infectious diseases, including avian flu.
In 2004-05, the Australian Government, through AusAID, will contribute an estimated $242 million in funding for health activities.
Media Contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) 0408 680 442
AusAID (Public Affairs) 0417 680 590