Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer on Wednesday announced Australia has committed an extra 20 million Australian dollars (18 million U.S. dollars) to tackle chronic diseases in the Pacific, the leading cause of death and disability in the region.
"The Australian Government will fund a four-year regional initiative to target the risk factors for chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardio-vascular disease," Downer, who is in Tonga for the Pacific Islands Forum, said in a statement.
He said Pacific Island countries will receive funding and technical assistance to improve their health services and raise awareness about the effects of alcohol and tobacco and the benefits of healthy nutrition and regular exercise.
Australia's assistance will also help Pacific governments review relevant policies and legislation on alcohol, tobacco and food imports, as well as help work towards the global World Health Organization goal of a 2 percent reduction in chronic disease death rates each year.
Downer said Australia's assistance builds on its previous support, including the Australian government's pledge in May of 25million dollars (22.5 million U.S. dollars) over four years to tackle malaria in the Pacific.
Source: Xinhua
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