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$7 million to fight malaria

Source: Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID); Government of
Australia

Date: 16 Nov 2009

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Stephen Smith

Today the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Health and Ageing met
with Dr Margaret Chan, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Australia supports the WHO as the United Nations organization providing leadership
on global health matters, shaping health research and setting international health
standards.

Australia works closely with the WHO to improve health service delivery, address the
health needs of women and children, and to reduce the burden of communicable
diseases and the impacts of natural disasters and conflicts.

The Ministers discussed with Dr Chan Australia's enhanced relationship with the
WHO, including a $64 million commitment over four years to improve health in
developing countries.

The Government welcomed the WHO's comprehensive response to the 2009 H1N1
(Swine Flu) pandemic.

Australia has supported this effort with technical assistance and vaccines.

Australia is donating up to 10 per cent of its 2009 H1N1 pandemic vaccine to the
WHO for use in the region, particularly Papua New Guinea, Pacific Islands and East
Timor.

We also discussed Australia's current efforts to tackle malaria in our region.

As part of these efforts Australia will provide nearly $7 million for ongoing support
for the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network.

This Network brings together countries in our region who are working to eliminate
malaria and provides a forum for experts to work together towards this important
goal.