I am pleased to announce an initial $10 million commitment to fund community based programs in HIV/AIDS, communicable diseases, water supply and sanitation and food security in Africa. Funded programs will go ahead in Mozambique, South Africa, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Major activities of the Australian Partnership with African Communities Program include:
food security, health and water supply programs in Kenya';s Rift Valley HIV/AIDS and food security program in Malawi
food security, water supply and HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention program in Mozambique
The program will boost the impact of community-based programs in reducing poverty and generating positive development outcomes in targeted countries in southern and eastern Africa.
Africa is facing enormous challenges in achieving stability, growth and poverty reduction. The 2002-03 drought and continuing governance issues have exacerbated the situation - an estimated 15 million people are now considered to be at risk of starvation. In addition, the HIV/AIDS epidemic now affects about 29 million people in Africa. Australia remains committed to assisting Africa, providing approximately $61.4 million in 2003-04.