Australia gives RI aid for polio fight

JAKARTA: Australia will provide Indonesia another A$1.3 million for its polio eradication campaign, said the charge d'affaires at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, Louise Hand.

The funding will help Indonesia, supported by the World Health Organization, vaccinate 24.5 million children against polio during the third round of a national vaccination drive, which began on Wednesday.

"Australia is supporting activities including door-to-door immunizations using mobile teams to boost the immunity levels of children unable to reach health centers," Hand said in a press release sent to The Jakarta Post.

Hand said Australia would also help the Indonesian government and UNICEF to raise public awareness about the virus and address misconceptions about polio vaccination.

Earlier, the Australian government through AusAid provided A$2.15 million to WHO for Indonesia's polio vaccination campaigns in May, August and September.

Hand said this new assistance brought Australia's contribution this year to Indonesia for its polio fight to A$3.45 million. -- JP