MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Simple, cost-effective methods of prevention and treatment will be the focus
of health projects in Australia's revitalised overseas aid program.
The Howard Government's new aid policy, 'Better Aid for a Better Future',
released by the Minister for Foreign Affairs this week, identifies health as one
of five key priorities for Australian aid. The other sectoral priorities are
education, infrastructure, rural development and governance.
AusAID, the Government's overseas aid agency, will now develop a new health
policy. It will reflect a focus on primary health care and disease prevention
with emphasis on:
- targeting major causes of child and maternal mortality and morbidity,
- making a strong contribution in the family planning and reproductive
health sector on a voluntary and non-coercive basis, and - HIV/AIDS prevention and care activities.
The Australian aid program will also provide support in areas that underpin
good public health systems such as national health policy development and
planning, disease surveillance systems, and pharmaceutical supply and
regulation.
During my recent visit to Papua New Guinea, I had the opportunity to see a
national child and maternal immunisation project in action. It is projects like
this that can make a real difference to people's lives.
Australia's new approach to international development cooperation entails a
renewed commitment to the fundamentals of poverty reduction and sustainable
development. Assisting developing countries to improve the health of their
people is a key aspect of this commitment.
Media contacts:
Geoff Adlide (AusAID) (02) 6206 4967/ 0417 683 126
Judi Nixon (Parliamentary Secretary's office) 0411 287 258