The Australian Government’s $266 million, three year commitment to the Global Fund will spur a renewed effort to fight AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria in our region.
Health Equity Matters is Australia’s peak body for communities affected by HIV and administers a multi-country Global Fund program across the Indo-Pacific, which strengthens HIV treatment, prevention and advocacy.
“With epidemics you can never take your eye off the ball because as soon as you do, they gather momentum,” said Felicity Young AO, International Program director of Health Equity Matters. “That’s why this renewed commitment from the Australian Government is so significant. It means we are staying the course and investing in a safer, more stable Indo-Pacific.
“This $266 million commitment provides extraordinary value because for every dollar Australia invests, the Global Fund delivers $13.60 in direct benefits to the Indo-Pacific region. That makes our region healthier and safer.”
Global Fund investments have saved over 26.5 million lives in our region and more than 65 million lives world-wide since 2002 with the death rate from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria declining over sixty per cent, said Health Equity Matters CEO, Dash Heath-Paynter.
“Infectious diseases do not respect borders and the Global Fund is a proven approach that demonstrates the profound value of global co-operation. We commend the Australian Government for its enduring commitment to saving lives.
“Australia is stepping up and playing an important role. We are doing our bit to give the world its best chance of reaching the global goal where 95% of people living with HIV are diagnosed, 95% of those diagnosed are on life-saving antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those are virologically suppressed.”
Contact: Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032
