Australia to fight HIV/AIDS and improve maternal health in the Philippines

Australia will contribute $2.8 million to a United Nations program to improve maternal health and tackle HIV/AIDS in the Philippines, the Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Bruce Billson, announced today at the Regional Ministerial Meeting on Millennium Development Goals in Jakarta.

'Our funding will help the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Department of Education in the Philippines develop teaching materials that give young people more information about sexual and reproductive health and safe and effective family planning methods,' Mr Billson said.

'Health and safety awareness amongst young people is critical to improving maternal health and fighting HIV/AIDS and Australia is committed to supporting these two important Millennium Development Goals in our region.

'Young women account for 75 per cent of maternal deaths and there is a growing rate of teen pregnancies with many young people sexually active but unaware of safe sexual practices. Although public awareness of the risks of HIV/AIDS is growing, building on that awareness is vital,' Mr Billson said.

'Effective sex education is an ongoing challenge for all countries and Australian assistance will enhance public campaigns to enable young people in the Philippines make healthy life choices and minimise harmful behaviour.

'Addressing reproductive health issues is particularly crucial in the Philippines with the population likely to double in 29 years. This is already putting immense strains on basic services and government resources and undermining efforts by the Government and donors to reduce poverty.

'Australia will also work with the UNFPA, Government of the Philippines, Non Government Organisations and businesses to develop policies and legislation that deal with reproductive health,' Mr Billson said.

This year, Australia is contributing more than $168 million towards basic health initiatives, including significant support for women in the region, and is also playing a major leadership role in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS with a targeted $600 million commitment to 2010.