MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce that Australia will provide assistance to ASEAN to
help build the region's capacity to deal with infectious disease outbreaks such
as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Australian assistance of up to $500,000 will complement the recently
established ASEAN Ministerial-Level Task Force and the joint ASEAN-China SARS
emergency fund for SARS research and prevention, announced on 29 April 2003.
Australian input will focus on building ASEAN capacity to tackle emerging
infectious diseases, develop regional networks and share information on disease
control.
Australia has been quick to respond to regional requests for assistance. We
have contributed a total of $1.7 million to assist the World Health Organization
(WHO) with its response to SARS across Asia and the Pacific.
Seven Australian specialists are working in China with the WHO and the
Chinese Ministry of Health to help manage the epidemic. Across the region
another 14 Australian specialists are assisting countries with their responses
to SARS.
The WHO has warned that SARS is one of the most serious health threats since
the HIV/AIDS epidemic began. SARS appears to be the first severe and easily
transmissible new disease to emerge in the twenty first century.
According to latest statistics from the WHO (as at 5 June 2003), a cumulative
total of 8403 probable cases with 775 deaths have been reported from 32
countries.
While SARS presents a global problem, the majority of cases reported so far
have been from Asia, where the disease is already having major economic and
social impacts on our region.
The spread of SARS and other emerging infections diseases can be halted
through effective prevention, infection control and treatment.
The Australian Government welcomes the steps taken by regional governments to
combat SARS and is pleased to assist.
Mr Downer is in Cambodia for the annual ASEAN Regional Forum meeting.
Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's Office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489