The aid program aims to provide support in areas that underpin good public health systems such as national health policy development and planning, disease surveillance systems, and pharmaceutical supply and regulation. AusAID developed a new health policy in 1998 to ensure that our health assistance remains as relevant and effective as possible. It is now accepted that the vast majority of human suffering and premature death in the developing world is poverty-related. Policies that improve health standards and access to basic health services for vulnerable groups are two of the keys to ensuring economic growth - and through this poverty reduction and better health for all. Australia is working in partnership with developing countries to improve the health of their populations.
Health is one of five key sectors in Australia s aid program.
Australia s health aid program is premised on a primary health care approach. This means that it focuses on simple, cost effective methods of prevention and treatment. The policy s three objectives are to improve the basic health of those in need, to improve the quality of health service delivery in developing countries and to address the health effects of natural disasters and emergencies. This is the central policy document underpinning the design and implementation of family planning activities. Australia s health assistance is delivered through Australian contractors, multilateral agencies and non-government organisations .