Australian Embassy
Indonesia

Australia Helps to Strengthen Detection of Avian Influenza in Indonesia

Archived Media Release

12 October 2006

Australia Helps to Strengthen Detection of Avian Influenza in Indonesia

“Australia is providing a further Rp11 billion to strengthen the capacity of Indonesian Disease Investigation Centres to diagnose the Avian Influenza virus in poultry,” said Australian Ambassador Bill Farmer.

The project is part of a Rp 107 billion package pledged by Australia to combat the virus in Indonesia. “Australia is working with Indonesia’s National Committee for Avian Influenza Control and Pandemic Influenza Preparedness to manage the regional threat of Avian Influenza,” said Mr Farmer.

The diagnosis project will be managed by the Australia Animal Health Laboratory. It will strengthen the capacity of national, regional and provincial laboratories in Indonesia to investigate rapidly suspected Avian Influenza cases and outbreaks. “Project activities will include the training of Indonesian laboratory staff and the provision of essential laboratory consumables,” said Mr Farmer.

Of the Rp 107 billion pledged, Australia is already implementing projects worth over Rp 62 billion to address Avian Influenza in Indonesia, including.

    • assistance through the World Health Organisation to support rapid response teams
    • the purchase 50,000 courses of the antiviral medication Tamiflu
    • the development of a national Pandemic Preparedness Plan for Indonesia and
    • community based surveillance.

Further information:
Mia Salim – (AusAID Public Affairs Officer) - 08121070237