The entire globe is out on a mission, that mission is to wipe out two very deadly diseases. Australia has promised $30 million dollars to fight against Malaria and Tuberculosis. Roughly $10 million will be given immediately to support a late-stage treatment for Tuberculosis, and $10 million will also be given to help find tools to develop drugs to help fight Malaria. The other $10 million will be distributed accordingly depending on which area needs the extra funding.
Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop explained the reason for funding the two diseases, “Drug resistant TB and malaria pose a threat to health security in our region and carry a high burden for our Asia-Pacific neighbours.” With the obvious concern of Malaria in developing countries in the Indo-Pacific area, Australia felt it was necessary to help out since the proximity of these nations and the potential harm it can cause if TB or Malaria makes it way to the island. Rather then take such a big risk, the best move for themselves and the world is to attempt to wipe out such deadly forces in the region. Australia has seen over 1,300 cases of TB since 2011 and the numbers of cases are slowly rising which is a major concern for the Australian government.
Every year roughly 1.2 million people die in the Indo-Pacific due to Tuberculosis, and these cases are spreading to developed countries and continents. The world is on high alert in hopes to fight and prevent the spread of these problems. The Global Fund is advocating for countries around the world to help fight since this is a global epidemic. Not only the problems of the few under developed countries.
For more updates on Malaria and The Global Fund, please visit Scott Filler‘s official website.