Further Australian Assistance for Mozambique

MEDIA RELEASE

Released By:
Downer

I am pleased to announce that Australia will contribute $1.5 million to assist in de-mining activities and malaria prevention in Mozambique.

With the fear that the flood waters may have dislodged landmines in a number of areas of Mozambique, land mine surveys, physical landmine removal and mine awareness campaigns will be intensified. Efforts will concentrate particularly in and around the centres that have been established to house the 450,000 people who have lost their homes in the floods. Australia will contribute $1 million to the United Nations de-mining program to be conducted in cooperation with the Government of Mozambique's Mine Clearance Institute.

Malaria continues to be the main cause of death and illness in Mozambique's flood-affected areas, with children and pregnant women most at risk. The Australian Government will contribute $500,000 to the World Health Organization malaria prevention and health education program in Mozambique.

This contribution is in addition to the $1.5 million Australia has already provided for rehabilitation and emergency assistance since the floods first devastated Mozambique in February.