Australia's fight against drug abuse recognised by the Indonesian Government

Australia is pleased that its work in Indonesia fighting drug abuse has been recognised by the Indonesian Government, the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary, Mrs Chris Gallus, said today.

The Indonesian Government has presented the Indonesian National Golden Award to the Australian Government's international development agency, AusAID, for its work in helping to prevent and control drug abuse in Indonesia.

'HIV infection rates amongst Indonesian drug users have tripled to 48 per cent in the last four years,' Mrs Gallus said.

'Australia's development assistance program is now providing Indonesian health professionals with specialised training,' Mrs Gallus said.

'Training for non government organisations and community groups is also slowing the spread of the disease through intravenous drug use.

'Drug Information courses in Indonesia and Australia are helping Indonesian professionals and community leaders establish prevention programs and study the impact of drug abuse on the health of the whole community,' Mrs Gallus said.

'Australia is also assisting Indonesia develop research skills to more accurately determine the extent of Indonesia's drug problem.

'Our support is significantly helping the development of Indonesian drug policy and a drug information system.

'The Australian Government is strongly committed to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Asia Pacific region and we have more than doubled our funding - to $600 million by 2010 - to combat the virus,' Mrs Gallus said.

http://www.ausaid.gov.au/