Australia and the World Health Organization (WHO)

Australian support recognises WHO's valuable role in providing technical assistance and advice to governments, developing new approaches, packages of interventions and normative treatment standards, and providing leadership in global and regional health issues.

The Australian Government, through the Department of Health and Ageing, provides the funds for Australia's assessed contribution to the regular budget of WHO.

Under the AusAID–WHO Partnership Framework 2009–2013, Australia has committed an additional $64 million in core voluntary contributions to WHO for implementation of its Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSP). Mutual priorities identified in the Partnership Framework include maternal, newborn and child health, communicable diseases, improving health services and reducing the health consequences of emergencies.

Australia also continues to work in partnership with WHO on specific issues of importance to our region such as the surveillance and control of avian influenza, pandemic preparedness, prevention of avoidable blindness, tobacco control, improvements in diet and physical activity, and laboratory strengthening.

Australia uses a range of processes to monitor and review WHO performance and provides constructive feedback on a regular basis through, for example, the World Health Assembly and Regional Committee meetings.

More information on the World Health Organization [external website]

Last reviewed: 16 July, 2010