HIV/AIDS - a global problem

More than 36 million people throughout the world are affected by HIV/AIDS, a devastating disease that is one of the most striking examples of a problem that transcends borders.

HIV/AIDS is a significant challenge in developed and developing countries alike. But in developing countries, HIV/AIDS threatens to reverse decades of development because it attacks people in their most productive years, destroys communities, disrupts food production and places heavy burdens on already weak health services.

HIV/AIDS is one of the Australian aid program's highest priorities. From the earliest stages of the epidemic, Australia has been a leader in international efforts to contain it. About 12 per cent of health funding through the aid program is spent on HIV/AIDS projects.

Australia is committed to work in partnership with governments and community groups in the Pacific, North and South Asia, South East Asia and Africa in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In a clear demonstration of this commitment, the Australian Government pledged $200 million for a global HIV/AIDS initiative in July 2000. Australia's initiative is designed to help countries in the Asia Pacific region, such as Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, India and China, to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

To combat HIV/AIDS Australia works primarily through Australian non-government organisations (NGOs). These NGOs work with partner organisations in the countries Australia assists, encouraging community participation. HIV/AIDS is increasing at a huge rate in the Asia Pacific region. There are 3.7 million infected people in India, and PNG faces a major epidemic, with an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people already infected.

Australia has committed $18.5 million over five years to India, and has committed $60 million to the five-year National HIV/AIDS Support Project in PNG.

In Africa, Australia will contribute more than $11.5 million to HIV/AIDS projects, including those managed by NGOs, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and the Mandela Children's Fund.

The United Nations HIV/AIDS organisation, UNAIDS, has received about $1.5 million per year from Australia since its establishment in 1996. In 2000-01 Australia increased its contribution to UNAIDS to $2 million. Additionally, in 2000-01 Australia contributed $113.4 million to the World Bank, which provides large scale financial assistance to developing countries for problems such as HIV/AIDS.

For further information on HIV/AIDS, see:

2002