Skip to main content

POSITIVE.NEGATIVE Photographic exhibition returns to Federation Square

Category
News, speeches and media

Media Release

MEDIA RELEASE

'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 return of the positive.negative exhibition
to Federation Square.

'The photographic exhibition, seen by more than 2 million Australians
and international visitors, is about young people and 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.

'HIV/AIDS is taking its toll on these countries as it infects and
affects millions of the next generation on whom future development depends.

'The Australian Government, through AusAID, is leading efforts in the
Asia-Pacific and recently committed $25 million to the Global Fund to fight
AIDS, in addition to the $200 million over six years towards the Global AIDS
Initiative,' Mrs Gallus said.

The exhibition will be in Federation Square until 25 April and then travel
to Sydney in 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

Last Updated: 25 February 2013
Back to top