On World Health Day, Australia is investing up to $45.5 million in six new initiatives to strengthen health systems across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.
Our support recognises that improving health systems is vital to ensuring our region is resilient against current and future health challenges, including those posed by climate change.
Among the new initiatives are training for essential health workforce skills, including critical care, nursing and midwifery, and support to improve disease surveillance and response, including tackling the increasing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
The package also includes funding to strengthen health information systems, so that health workers have the data they need to manage health services, including having the right medicines in stock.
In addition, we are supporting greater inclusion of people with psychosocial disabilities, working with their representative organisations to increase access to quality, rights-based mental health services.
The activities will draw on Australian and international expertise, including from Alfred Health, Australian National University, Beyond Essential Systems and mSupply Foundation, CBM Australia, University of Technology Sydney, and University of Sydney.
Today’s announcement is part of Australia’s Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, which works with governments and civil society organisations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build resilient, equitable and inclusive health systems.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
“Australia is working with governments and civil society organisations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia to build more resilient health systems, better equipped to handle current and future health challenges, including those posed by climate change.”
“Access to quality, effective and inclusive health services is everyone’s right. A healthier region benefits all of us and underpins our shared success, prosperity and stability.”
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:
“Australia is a longstanding and committed partner for our region’s health. This World Health Day, we are reaffirming that commitment with a substantial package of support.
“Working with partners with deep local connections and long-term relationships in health is a critical way to deliver sustainable results.”