Media Release
16 June 2020
As part of Australia’s commitment to working with Indonesia and international health partners to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia will provide AUD6.2 million (IDR61 billion) to the World Health Organization (WHO) to support Indonesia’s response and recovery efforts.
WHO is a key partner for both Australia and Indonesia. With this new funding, WHO and Indonesia will work together to strengthen Indonesia’s laboratories, improve the way that Indonesia collects and uses health information, and also help to protect patients and health workers at health facilities.
“As neighbours and long-term partners, Indonesia and Australia are well positioned to overcome these challenges together,” Australia’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Gary Quinlan, said. “Supporting Indonesia’s immediate critical health security efforts, in partnership with the WHO, is fundamental to ensuring our region’s recovery.”
Countries with greater resilience mechanisms to respond to existing and emerging infectious disease threats mean safer environments for communities and economies to prosper.
“Over the next two years, WHO will continue to work with the Indonesian government to achieve improved national policies and procedures to better respond to public health emergencies,” said Dr. N. Paranietharan, WHO Representative to Indonesia. “With the support from DFAT, WHO will be able to ensure essential support is provided towards the preparedness of the health system, including enhancing the national surveillance and case detection system, and strengthening infection prevention and control activities.”
The full impact of COVID-19 is still unfolding globally and will likely be felt for a long time to come. Australia and WHO are continuing to partner with Indonesia to ensure that health and humanitarian needs are met in order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on communities and protect the most vulnerable.
Images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kedubesaustralia/albums/72157714714743596
Media contacts
WHO Indonesia Communications Team: [email protected]
Australian Embassy in Jakarta Public Affairs Team: [email protected]