MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Gallus
'The HIV/AIDS pandemic is continuing to decimate populations in developing
countries,' the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Chris Gallus,
said today to mark the opening of the positive.negative photographic
exhibition in Sydney's Martin Place.
'The photographic exhibition, seen by more than 2 million Australians and
international visitors, is about people living with HIV/AIDS in the
Asia-Pacific,' Mrs Gallus said.
'Five of Australia's top photographers visited HIV/AIDS projects in Papua New
Guinea, Indonesia, China, Vietnam and Thailand to document the effect the
pandemic is having on the region.
'positive.negative also shows Australia's efforts in responding to
HIV/AIDS in the Asia-Pacific, in particular the work with our neighbours to
tackle the virus and care for those infected,' Mrs Gallus said.
'With more than 42 million people around the world living with the virus and
about 7.5 million people infected in the Asia-Pacific, HIV/AIDS is a serious
issue for Australia and the region.
'Basic health services, high levels of unemployment, poverty, disease and a
lack of sanitation are exacerbated by HIV/AIDS,' Mrs Gallus said.
'HIV/AIDS is also taking its toll on these countries as it impacts on
millions of young people who are critical to future development.
'The Australian Government's six year commitment to fight the disease in the
region will increase in this year's budget by $50 million to $250 million,' Mrs
Gallus said.
The exhibition will be in Martin Place until 22 May before commencing a
regional tour until 2006.
Media contacts:
Shane Fairlie (Office of Mrs Gallus) (02) 6277 4840 or 0408 680 442
Jo Elsom (AusAID) (02) 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489