MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will provide $15 million over five years towards a new fund established to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Burma. The Australian Government will make the contribution to the Three Diseases Fund through its international aid agency AusAID.
Burma has the second highest incidence of HIV/AIDS in Asia and TB and malaria are the leading causes of illness.
The Fund will support vital prevention, treatment and care for the most vulnerable through the UN, international non-government organisations, local civil society organisations and township service providers.
A group of six donors - Australia, United Kingdom, the European Commission, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden - has developed the initiative as a joint donor response to counter these diseases which continue to have a devastating impact on Burma's population.
The Fund will be managed by the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS).
Continuing commitment by the Burmese authorities will be crucial to the success of the Fund. The Burmese authorities have agreed to facilitate the Fund's operations consistent with internationally recognised humanitarian principles.
The World Health Organization currently ranks Burma as the second worst amongst developing countries in terms of government health care delivery.
The contribution to the Three Diseases Fund will build upon AusAID's humanitarian assistance to Burma, which has focused on health and meeting the needs of vulnerable groups.
Media contacts:
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
Tony Parkinson (Mr Downer's Office) 02 6277 7500