Importance of emerging infectious diseases

Australia has been proactive and strategic in the international effort to address emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), including those with pandemic potential, such as Avian or H1N1 Influenza 09 (Human Swine Influenza).

Emerging infectious diseases in animals and humans continue to spread across the world, with significant health, social and economic consequences. Diseases such as Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 (also known as ‘bird flu’) have led to estimated economic losses of US$8 billion in East Asia alone, including the loss of income suffered, particularly by small farmers and producers, from decreasing production levels and more restricted access to markets. Lesser emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as rabies and brucellosis are major causes of morbidity and mortality, especially among poor people in the Asia Pacific region.

Australia has committed over $200 million since 2003 for initiatives to combat the threat of pandemics and other emerging infectious diseases. This includes $100 million over four years (2006–2010) committed towards influenza and pandemic preparedness in the Asia Pacific region; $52 million from other AusAID program funds since 2003; $7.58 million committed in 2009 in response to the H1N1 Influenza 09 pandemic; and $32 million in 2010 to combat emerging infectious diseases and pandemics in the Asia Pacific.

Significant improvements in the ability to detect and respond to infectious diseases threats have occurred, but more remains to be done particularly in the poorest countries where emerging infectious diseases still occur.

Under the new Pandemics and Emerging Infectious Disease Framework 2010-2015, Australia will assist partner countries in the Asia Pacific region to consolidate achievements over the last four years under the previous strategy and translate gains in prevention, detection and control of diseases such H5N1 avian influenza into stronger systems for and stronger response to EIDs generally.

The goal of this assistance is to assist partner countries to reduce the risks and impacts of emerging infectious diseases, including possible pandemics, in the Asia Pacific region. Our assistance helps partner countries build and maintain capacities, systems and protocols in four main areas:

Promoting adherence to international standards of animal and human health.
Strengthening systems for the prevention, detection and control of EIDs, particularly at the community level.
Responding to outbreaks of EIDs when they occur.
Building an evidence base for the response to EIDs.

Useful links

The following websites provide further information on Avian Influenza and other emerging infectious diseases:

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Last reviewed: 10 May, 2011