URGENT UPDATE: Australia faces an imminent threat from the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, with officials warning that the situation is worsening in neighboring countries. Lady Ros Morauta, chair of the Global Fund, is in Australia this week to rally support for increased funding to combat these escalating health crises.
During her visit, Lady Ros highlighted the alarming rise in HIV cases in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Fiji, revealing that PNG recorded an astonishing 11,000 new HIV cases in 2024, prompting a national HIV crisis declaration in June. Meanwhile, Fiji declared an HIV outbreak in January after nearly 1,600 new infections last year.
“These diseases are a huge threat to Australia,” Lady Ros stated to the Australian Associated Press. She emphasized that many Australians travel to these regions, making it critical for Australia to engage in regional health initiatives.
The Global Fund’s recent report exposes urgent health emergencies on Australia’s doorstep, with tuberculosis (TB) remaining the leading cause of death in PNG. The country’s health minister has even declared “a war” on TB, underscoring the severity of the situation.
With over 65 million lives saved and a 61 percent reduction in the combined death rate from AIDS, TB, and malaria over the last two decades, the Global Fund is recognized as a vital player in global health efforts. Lady Ros noted that the organization’s impact is rooted in its country-led, performance-driven approach.
“If you say you’re going to distribute half a million mosquito nets, you have to distribute them for the next lot of money to come,” she explained, emphasizing accountability in health funding.
Australia’s commitment to global health is evident, with a pledge of $266 million for the 2023-2025 funding cycle. However, the Global Fund is now seeking $330 million for its next cycle, and Lady Ros urged Australian lawmakers to recognize the importance of this contribution.
“It’s in Australia’s interest, as well as being the right thing to do,” she remarked, as discussions about the next funding pledge are set to unfold in 2025. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated: the health of neighboring nations directly impacts Australia, making it crucial for the country to lead in addressing these challenges.
The Global Fund’s lobbying efforts aim to raise awareness and garner support from Australian officials, reinforcing that the fight against infectious diseases is not just a regional issue but a global responsibility. As health emergencies escalate, Australia must act swiftly to bolster its contributions and support neighboring countries in their battles against these life-threatening diseases.
Stay tuned for further updates as this critical situation develops.
