HIV/AIDS in Australia
Asia-Pacific Ministerial Meeting on HIV/AIDS - 11 July 2004
HIV/AIDS is a global emergency. Already 20 million people have died
and a further 38 million are living with HIV/AIDS.
|
In our region, the Asia-Pacific, there were one million new infections
last year and a staggering 7.4 million people are now living with
the disease.
At the Second Asia-Pacific Ministerial Meeting on HIV/AIDS in
Bangkok, Thailand on July 11 2004, Australia's Foreign Minister,
Alexander Downer, announced a significant funding boost of $350
million over six-years to combat the disease - more than doubling
our commitment to a total of $600 million by 2010.
This significant contribution reinforces Australia's position
as the leading HIV/AIDS donor in East Asia and the Pacific.
The human and financial costs of HIV/AIDS could unravel years
of hard won development gains, driving victims to further desperation
and poverty.
|
Mr Downer meets with Kofi Annan in Bangkok.
|
HIV/AIDS is not only a health issue; it also has devastating consequences
for individuals, families, communities and nations. It takes away breadwinners
and parents, breaks up relationships and creates intolerable burdens
on people who already face hardship.
Australia is extremely concerned at the incidence and impact of HIV/AIDS.
However money alone won't solve the problem. That is why Australia's
new international HIV/AIDS strategy is so important.
Launched on 11 July 2004, Australia's strategy focuses on five key
priority areas - strengthening leadership and advocacy, building capacity,
changing behaviours and attitudes, addressing HIV transmission associated
with injecting drug use and supporting treatment and care.
This leadership must be backed up by partnerships. These partnerships
need to extend beyond government to the private sector, civil society
and community-based organisations to ensure an effective response to
the disease and its impact.
|
Ms Annmaree O'Keeffe
|
To help Australia in this regard, Minister Downer has appointed
Australia's first ever Special Representative for HIV/AIDS, Ms
Annmaree O'Keeffe.
Ms O'Keeffe is a senior official with Australia's Agency for
International Development (AusAID).
With more than 20 years experience in development, including
as Australia's Ambassador to Nepal and head of our aid program
in Papua New Guinea, Ms O'Keeffe is well placed to work with our
partners in advancing the fight against HIV/AIDS.
|
Tackling the causes of HIV/AIDS, preventing its spread and treating
those living with the disease and its impact are formidable tasks.
|
Many Australians are working tirelessly to combat HIV/AIDS
through government and non-government organisations, health bodies
and Australian firms. Their efforts are crucial to an effective
united approach.
|
|
