The Federal Government has outlined a $24 million commitment to assist Australia’s Asian neighbours combat the spread of infectious diseases in people and animals across the region.

 

The funding will allow for the construction of new laboratories and planning systems to prepare for pandemics and establish better veterinary services.

 

Australia will work with the World Health Organisation and World Organisation for Animal Health in combatting the emerging pandemics in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

The funding will include:

  • $12 million to the World Health Organization to assist countries in the Asia Pacific to build better laboratories, develop national pandemic preparedness plans and implement innovative surveillance systems  
  • $12.7 million to the World Organisation for Animal Healthto strengthen veterinary services and to better manage animal-borne diseases in our region.