MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
Australia is leading a regional fight against HIV/AIDS, the Parliamentary
Secretary for Foreign Affairs Mrs Chris Gallus said today.
'Australian health professionals are helping some of the 7 million people
living with HIV/AIDS in the Asia-Pacific region,' Mrs Gallus said.
'About 3000 people are infected every day and fighting the disease and
promoting awareness is a major focus of Australia's aid program.
'The work being done by Australians was acknowledged today by AusAID in a
seminar held as part of the Australasian Society for HIV Medicine Conference in
Cairns.
'The seminar provided health professionals working in the region an
opportunity to discuss the work being done, challenges and the way forward.
'Australia is the leading donor in the Pacific for HIV/AIDS initiatives and
works closely with our neighbours to fight the pandemic.
'The Minister for Foreign Affairs Alexander Downer has been dedicated to
ensuring the issue of HIV/AIDS continues to be treated as a priority by his
regional colleagues, including through the Asia Pacific Leadership Forum.
'The Australian Government has contributed $85 million to reduce HIV
infection rates since 2000, as part of a six-year, $200 million Global AIDS
initiative,' Mrs Gallus said.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Mrs Gallus' office) 02 6277 4840 / 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 / 0412 804 489