The Albanese Government continues to invest in the shared health security of our region. Through a new $48 million program, Australia will support the Pacific family to manage increasing rates of HIV infections.
This funding will assist Pacific governments to contain the spread of HIV through technical assistance, disease surveillance and co-investment in their national public health responses.
Rising rates of HIV, and co-infections like tuberculosis, place increased pressure on Pacific health systems, societies and economies. COVID has been an important reminder in recent years that communicable diseases, such as HIV, cost lives and ignore borders.
Ahead of World AIDS Day, acknowledged on 1 December each year, Australia reaffirms its support to ending the global AIDS epidemic by 2030. This latest announcement complements broader and longstanding Australian support to strengthen national health systems in our region and beyond.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:
"We are partnering with the Pacific to tackle the growing public health threat of HIV, including by sharing Australian knowledge and expertise and investing in community-led responses.
"Australia is continuing to work with our Pacific partners to reduce HIV transmission and support people living with HIV."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy:
"As rates of HIV in the Pacific rise, Australia stands ready to co-invest with Pacific partners to strengthen nationally led HIV responses.
"As a member of the Pacific family, we will always be ready to support local leadership and community led responses to HIV in the region.
"Australia is committed to working with our regional partners to advance strong, resilient health system capable of responding effectively to HIV."
Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development Anne Aly:
"Australia is proud to share our expertise in containing HIV as a public health threat, drawing on our decades of research and hard-won experience.
"By supporting resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems across the Pacific, we are investing in the shared health security of our region."
