MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia will provide nutritional advisers and $200,000 to Nauru to address
failing food supplies and diet-related health problems.
The assistance follows a request for help from the Government of Nauru and
an AusAID social impact study that showed shortages of healthy food are
becoming chronic after years of economic decline.
The funds will be used immediately to purchase seeds and material to boost
the production of domestic and community gardens. Training will also be
provided to ensure ongoing food security in Nauru.
Two nutritionists will work with the Nauruan Government and the community to
survey their health requirements and monitor the nutritional status of
vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and nursing mothers.
The food shortages and health problems coincide with a program of economic
reform in Nauru after many years of policy failure.
Three Australian finance officials arrived in Nauru on 26 July to advise the
Government on the implementation of its economic reform program.
Later this month Australia will send an AFP Director of Police and a Special
Police Adviser to work with the Nauruan Police Force to increase skills,
accountability and professionalism in the force and reduce the backlog of
prosecutions.
Australia has refurbished Nauru's courthouse, provided a new Director of
Schools, begun rebuilding local schools and provided vital medical equipment to
Nauru's hospital.
Media Inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Ministerial) 6277 7500 / 0419 206 890
Julie McDonald (DFAT Media Liaison) 6261 1555 / 0417 219 785