MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia has committed an extra $20 million to tackle chronic diseases in the Pacific - the leading cause of death and disability in the region.
The Australian Government will fund a four-year regional initiative to target the risk factors for chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardio-vascular disease. Pacific Island countries will receive funding and technical assistance to improve their health services and raise awareness about the effects of alcohol and tobacco and the benefits of healthy nutrition and regular exercise.
Australia's assistance, to be provided through the overseas aid program, will also help Pacific governments review relevant policies and legislation on alcohol, tobacco and food imports.
Chronic or non-communicable diseases are now at crisis point in the Pacific. They cause significant numbers of deaths of Pacific Islanders - most of which are preventable. Diabetes prevalence is predicted to double in the Pacific by 2025.
The urgent need to do more to address this health issue is reflected in this year's report to leaders on priorities under the Pacific Island Forum's Pacific Plan, which calls for immediate action to halt and reverse the trend of non-communicable diseases in the region.
Australia's new assistance will also help work towards the global World Health Organization goal of a two per cent reduction in chronic disease death rates each year.
Our assistance builds on our previous support also provided through the aid program. In May this year, the government also pledged $25 million over four years to tackle malaria in the Pacific.
Media contact:
Malcolm Cole (Ministerial) 02 6277 7500