Australians have limited awareness of the looming threat posed by some of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, a warning reiterated by the head of a major global health partnership during a visit to Australia. Lady Ros Morauta, chair of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, is in Australia this week to urge Parliament to increase the country’s support for the Fund’s work across the region.
She told reporters that these diseases constitute a significant risk for Australia, noting that HIV is already spreading in neighbouring countries such as Papua New Guinea and Fiji. In the Global Fund’s Indo-Pacific regional impact report released recently, the urgency of health emergencies on Australia’s doorstep is highlighted. Papua New Guinea recorded 11,000 new HIV cases in 2024 and declared a national HIV crisis in June, while Fiji reported an HIV outbreak with almost 1,600 new infections last year. TB remains the leading cause of death in PNG, with the health minister declaring a “war” on the disease in June.
Morauta, who has long ties to Papua New Guinea, where she lived for 43 years and served as the country’s first lady from 1999 to 2002, praised the Global Fund’s track record as a multilateral funder of global health initiatives. Over the past two decades, she said, the partnership has saved 65 million lives and reduced the combined death rate from AIDS, TB and malaria by 61 percent. She highlighted that the Fund’s approach is country-led, country-focused and performance-driven, with funding tied to national plans and actual implementation by government agencies and the private sector. For example, she explained, if a country commits to distributing half a million mosquito nets, it must continue to do so to access further funds.
Despite progress, Morauta stressed that the region still faces substantial health challenges, and Australia has a critical role to play in supporting neighbors. She noted that funding decisions are anchored in national strategies, and that Australia’s ongoing support strengthens regional resilience.
Australia has already been a long-standing donor to the Global Fund, with a pledge of AUD 266 million for 2023-2025. The Fund is seeking AUD 330 million for its next funding cycle, with Australia expected to announce the next pledge in 2025. Morauta underscored the mutual interest in sustaining this partnership, describing it as in Australia’s own interest as well as the right thing to do.
The visit comes as part of a broader context of regional health collaboration, with Australia and its Pacific neighbors working to confront HIV, TB and other infectious diseases. Recent related developments include Australia’s ongoing support for Fiji’s HIV response, including additional funding and continued investment in health infrastructure. Fiji has received funding aimed at improving treatment access, disease surveillance and health services, reflecting the Vuvale partnership that guides Australia-Fiji cooperation.
For readers, the message is clear: protecting Australia’s own health security goes hand in hand with strengthening health systems across neighboring nations, a goal that requires sustained investment and close collaboration.
What this means for readers
– The Indo-Pacific region remains a frontline for infectious diseases that can affect Australia, underscoring the need for persistent funding and regional cooperation.
– Australia’s ongoing contributions support not only immediate HIV, TB and malaria responses but also long-term health system strengthening in neighboring countries.
– The Global Fund’s approach—country-led plans and measurable outcomes—serves as a model for effective aid that aligns with national priorities.
Summary
The Global Fund leader’s visit highlights the importance of regional cooperation in combating HIV, TB and malaria, with Australia positioned as a key partner in sustaining life-saving programs and health system strengthening across the Pacific.
Positive note
A strengthened partnership and continued funding could accelerate progress against HIV in Papua New Guinea and Fiji, improve TB control, and build more resilient health systems that protect communities and, by extension, Australia’s own health security.
Leave a comment