Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Drug-resistant TB is a growing threat

By Maree Nutt - posted Thursday, 6 December 2012


Cooperation with global development partners – both through aid and technical assistance – will be critical to success. As we contemplate the role Australia should play, consider that Foreign Minister Bob Carr recently devoted nearly $5 million to the "Extractive Industries Technical Advisory Facility," a multi-donor trust run by the World Bank that helps developing countries optimize their mining operations to support socioeconomic development.

Alongside aid and technical assistance to build capacity in developing countries' mines, Australia – together with global development partners and mining companies – could provide aid and technical assistance to help SADC countries control mine-related TB in southern Africa. These efforts would have the same fundamental goal: to ensure that "mining wealth drives future prosperity," in Minister Carr's own words.

It is estimated that TB costs the South African mining sector $835 million per year. Tackling TB in mines – as outlined in the SADC Declaration – would wipe out this cost and boost productivity, resulting in a total financial benefit of $755 million per year.

Advertisement

Fighting TB at one of its epicentres in South Africa's mines would also help minimize the global spread of drug-resistant strains, something that should concern Australians as we grapple with a regional outbreak of extensively drug-resistant TB.

Mining companies, African governments, international donors, and civil society must work together to ensure a sustained commitment to fighting TB – starting in African mines, and building up to a concerted global response to stop TB wherever it rears its head. We can defeat this disease. The SADC Declaration has paved the way. Now we must take action.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

1 post so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Maree Nutt is the National Manager of RESULTS International (Australia), a non-partisan, non-profit, international network of volunteers whose purpose is to generate the public and political will to end poverty. She has worked closely with politicians on both sides of government and advises aid agencies like AusAID on proven and effective methods of poverty alleviation.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Maree Nutt

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Maree Nutt
Article Tools
Comment 1 comment
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy