MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
An Australian Government funded initiative aimed at improving the health of people living in the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China will be launched tomorrow.
The five-year $17.3 million Health Sector Support Program will improve the delivery of health services, particularly to those in greatest need, by providing technical assistance, training, materials and equipment.
The Tibet Autonomous Region is a large and sparsely populated area and its people have the lowest incomes and poorest health indicators in China.
This new Australian program will strengthen regional health sector management and planning, support existing rural health services and increase the effectiveness of the Tibet region's response to HIV/AIDS.
While prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the region is low, the risk of epidemic is high. The Program will focus on raising knowledge and awareness of HIV/AIDS to help reduce high-risk behaviour among vulnerable groups.
People handling blood supplies will also receive instruction in safe handling practices.
The Program will deliver improvements in primary health care by helping improve management practices, clinical family health care, referral systems and support for effective health promotion.
Options to make health services more affordable and accessible will also be identified.
Australia has contributed more than $6 million since 1997 to health-related initiatives in the Tibet Autonomous Region to programs that are improving maternal and child health, providing better and safer access to drinking water and helping eliminate iodine deficiency and providing multi-sector HIV/AIDS planning.
The Health Sector Support Program is further evidence of the Australian Government's strong commitment to tackling HIV/AIDS, a commitment that stands at $250 million over six years.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) 02 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489