Australia faces a significant public health threat from infectious diseases, according to Lady Ros Morauta, chair of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. During her visit this week, she is advocating for an increase in Australia’s financial contributions to combat these diseases, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Lady Ros highlighted the alarming rise in HIV cases in nearby countries, particularly in Papua New Guinea and Fiji. “HIV, for example, shows an extraordinary increase in these countries in the last couple of years,” she stated. The Global Fund’s Indo-Pacific regional impact report, released recently, underscores the critical health challenges confronting Australia and its neighbours.
Papua New Guinea reported approximately 11,000 new HIV cases in 2024, prompting the government to declare a national HIV crisis in June. Meanwhile, Fiji faced an outbreak with nearly 1,600 new infections reported last year, leading to a similar declaration in January. Tuberculosis remains a significant health threat in PNG, where the health minister has committed to a “war” on the disease.
Global Fund’s Impact on Health Initiatives
Lady Ros, who has resided in Papua New Guinea for over 43 years and served as the nation’s first lady from 1999 to 2002, praised the Global Fund’s role in global health initiatives. She noted that the partnership has saved approximately 65 million lives over the past two decades and reduced the combined death rate from AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria by 61 percent.
“It’s the most fantastic organisation because it’s very much country-led, country-focused, and performance-driven,” she explained. Funding from the Global Fund is contingent upon national health plans developed by individual countries, which are then executed by government bodies and the private sector. “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 added, underscoring the accountability embedded in their funding model.
Lady Ros also pointed out the ongoing health challenges in the region, urging Australia to support its neighbours in addressing these issues. The Australian government has pledged $266 million for the funding cycle from 2023 to 2025, but the Global Fund is now seeking to secure $330 million for the next cycle.
Australia’s Role in Global Health Funding
According to Lady Ros, Australia’s contributions to the Global Fund are not only beneficial but essential. “Australia has been a donor to the Global Fund from the very beginning, and it’s in Australia’s interest, as well as being the right thing to do,” she stated. The government is expected to announce its next pledge to the fund in 2025.
The call for increased funding comes at a critical time when the health crises in the Indo-Pacific region demand immediate attention. By stepping up its financial support, Australia can play a vital role in fighting these deadly infectious diseases and ensuring a healthier future for the region.
