Australia has committed to enhancing the region’s preparedness and response to disease outbreaks through a $24.2 million investment in partnerships between its national science agency, CSIRO, and governments across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. This initiative aims to bolster the capabilities of countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, and Fiji in identifying, tracking, and responding to health emergencies.
The CSIRO will employ its extensive expertise in both animal and human health, along with its state-of-the-art facilities, to aid these nations. The Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, a key component of the CSIRO, will receive over $12 million to strengthen selected animal health laboratories in Southeast Asia, enhance testing for infectious diseases at high-risk locations like wildlife markets, and boost field diagnostic networks in the Pacific.
This program also includes support for a new bio-manufacturing partnership aimed at improving the ability of Southeast Asian countries to develop and manufacture vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, and drug products. Additionally, the Australian e-Health Research Centre will leverage its digital health expertise to assist partners in strengthening health data systems, expanding regional data sharing, and improving disease surveillance.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, stated that the Albanese Government’s investments, combined with CSIRO’s expertise, will contribute to a healthier, safer, and more secure region. She emphasised that a healthy and prosperous Pacific and Southeast Asia benefits everyone, making these new partnerships crucial.
Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, praised the CSIRO’s efforts in combating infectious diseases and improving the health and quality of life in the region. He highlighted that these partnerships build on past achievements and will see CSIRO continue to apply their expertise to support better health both at home and abroad.
“Australians can be proud of the way CSIRO has helped in the fight against infectious diseases to improve the health and quality of life of our friends in the region. These partnerships build on that and will see CSIRO continue to apply their know-how to support better health at home and abroad,” said Ed Husic.
Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy, pointed out that CSIRO’s world-class expertise will be instrumental in supporting partners across the Pacific and Southeast Asia. He noted that this new program will ensure these nations have the right foundations to prepare for and respond to future disease outbreaks.
This initiative is part of the Australian Government’s five-year, $620 million Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative. This broader effort aims to build resilient, equitable, and inclusive health systems in partner countries to tackle shared health challenges.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
