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Billson
Australia will provide a further $50 million over five years to help African communities reduce poverty and continue the fight against HIV/AIDS, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Bruce Billson, said today in South Africa at a regional development initiative launch.
'The Australian Partnerships with African Communities Program will work across seven countries to reduce poverty and improve health and food security and tackle communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria,' Mr Billson said.
'Australia aims to save lives in Africa, give communities hope for the future and create opportunities for meaningful economic and social development.
Mr Billson also visited the youth development project in the Embo Valley, initiated by 2004 Young Australian of the Year, Hugh Evans, who spent a year living in Embo as an Australian youth ambassador in 2002.
'The project is working to build the confidence of young people to become community leaders through a range of initiatives, including in education and sports, and is being implemented in partnership with the Oaktree Foundation,' Mr Billson said.
'This initiative is a great example of how young people can work together to build a better future by involving communities to create a more positive environment. I congratulate Mr Evans, a great young Australian, for his commitment to helping the people of Africa.'
Australian overseas development assistance to Africa has increased by $6 million to more than $67.5 million in 2004-05, mostly to tackle famine and HIV/AIDS.
Media inquiries:
Shane Fairlie (Mr Billson's office) (03) 9781 2333 or 0408 680 442
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590