Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Albanese Government continues to support the work of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, providing a further $266 million over three years to help eliminate these diseases.
Tuberculosis is the world's deadliest infectious disease and nearly a quarter of all new HIV cases occur in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Australia's funding will support global efforts to tackle the spread of these diseases by investing in stronger health systems and helping communities access treatments, particularly across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
The Global Fund is a multilateral partnership that unites governments, civil society, communities and the private sector to address global health challenges.
Since 2002, the Fund's efforts have saved over 26.5 million lives in our region and more than 65 million lives world-wide. The death rate from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria has also been reduced by over sixty per cent across the globe.
In a time of heightened global uncertainty, Australia remains steadfast in our commitment to the Global Fund and to supporting our region to tackle high burden diseases.
Today's announcement matches the record investment the Albanese Government made in 2022 – a ten per cent increase on Australia's previous contribution.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong:
"Australia is firmly committed to strengthening health outcomes in the Pacific and Southeast Asia and playing our part in addressing global health challenges.
"Our investment in partners like the Global Fund helps ensure our region's needs are prioritised, contributing to a healthier Indo-Pacific and a safer and more secure Australia."
Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development Dr Anne Aly:
"Australia is backing the Global Fund as a key partner in the fight against infectious disease in the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
"By investing in disease treatment and prevention, we're helping to build stronger and more inclusive health systems across our region."