The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) has warmly welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement of $500m over three years to assist in the safe and effective rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine to the Pacific and parts of South East Asia.
The welcome initiaive is additional to Australia’s ongoing international development assistance budget.
ACFID CEO, Marc Purcell said:
“This investment is good for our neighbours, good for regional health security and good for Australians. How our neighbourhood emerges from COVID-19 will determine Australia’s recovery.
“Assistance like this will help speed up the regrowth of tourism in the Pacific and the economic, trade and education links essential for mutual prosperity.
“If we see a successful vaccine, not only will Australia’s investment serve to protect vulnerable people and communities, but it can deliver a step-change in Australia’s relationship with our neighbours.
“The Morrison Government has responded to a critical priority for our region at a time of crisis and we thank Ministers and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for their work on this matter at a time of significant demands.”
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