MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
On World AIDS Day, 1 December 2003, I will be pleased to announce the launch
of Positive.Negative, a free photographic exhibition documenting the serious
problem posed by the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Asia Pacific region, and the
important role of Australian aid in addressing this crisis.
HIV/AIDS is a growing problem in the Asia-Pacific region, with approximately
7.5 million people currently infected and more than 1 million new infections
recorded in 2001. It threatens to reverse decades of development in the
Asia-Pacific, as it destroys communities, disrupts food production and
undermines political and social stability.
In 2000, the Australian Government embarked on a six-year, $200 million
Global AIDS Initiative. So far, we have spent around $85 million on activities
aimed at reducing HIV infections. We are working closely with partner
governments and local communities to develop effective strategies for
education, prevention and care.
Australia supports various forums, such as the Asia Pacific Leadership Forum
on HIV/AIDS and Development, to build strong partnerships with our regional
neighbours to promote research, information sharing and access to new and
innovative treatments and care.
The challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS are formidable, but the
opportunities have never been greater. Australians can feel proud that they are
directly helping developing countries in their fight against HIV/AIDS at a
grass-roots level.
The Australian Agency for International Development, AusAID, developed
Positive.Negative with the support of The Australian Women's Weekly and a
number of prominent Australians.
Five of Australia's most talented photographers travelled to Thailand,
Papua New Guinea, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, to capture the human face of
HIV/AIDS. They returned with powerful images of the positive impact we
are having in the region, and the critical need for continued support.
Positive.Negative will be launched on World AIDS Day, Monday 1
December at 10am at the Sydney Opera House and will then tour to various
capital cities around Australia. I encourage all Australians to visit the
exhibition and discover for themselves the difference they are making to
people's lives in our region.
Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) (02) 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489