Australia
Australia won’t buy J&J coronavirus vaccine
The Australian government has decided against buying the single-dose Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine as a way to accelerate its immunization program.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said Tuesday the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is similar to the AstraZeneca product, which Australia already contracted to buy.
Also read: Merck to help produce rival J&J’s COVID-19 vaccine
Australia had planned to rely on Australian-manufactured AstraZeneca with the goal of delivering at least one dose of vaccine to all eligible adults among a population of 26 million by October. But the government announced last week that the Pfizer vaccine is now the preferred option for people under 50 because of a potential health risk from AstraZeneca.
Australia has doubled its Pfizer order to 40 million doses. Australia had acquired 3.7 doses of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines by Monday and had injected 1.2 million doses.
Rohingya Camp Fire: Australia announces additional $10mn for affected people
Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne on Thursday (March 25, 2021) announced an additional $10 million in emergency assistance from the existing humanitarian budget to those affected by the fire at Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp.
“This funding is in addition to the over $260 million Australia has provided to the humanitarian response for Rohingya refugees and host communities in Bangladesh since 2017,” said Senator Payne.
Also read: $ 20mn required to respond to urgent needs after Rohingya camps fire: IOM
Their additional support will be provided through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration, the World Food Programme and the United Nations Population Fund.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the devastating fire at Kutupalong Balukali refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. I offer my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones,” she said in a statement.
The impact on over 120,000 people and the extensive damage to food distribution centres, health clinics, learning centres and essential facilities is of great concern to Australia and the international community, said the Australian Minister.
Also read: Maldives sends message of sympathy over Rohingya camp fire
She commended the response of the government of Bangladesh and Rohingya volunteers who assisted with bringing the fire under control and the initial rescue operation, and the humanitarian agencies delivering food assistance, emergency shelter, and water and sanitation services for those affected.
“Australia is committed to sustaining our humanitarian assistance for the Rohingya and host communities in Cox’s Bazar,” she said.
Also read: Australia working closely with Bangladesh: Marise Payne
Australians rally at Parliament to demand justice for women
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Australia suspends defense training with Myanmar after coup
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Finch stars as Australia levels T20 series with New Zealand
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Facebook signs pay deals with 3 Australian news publishers
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‘Don’t worry, come forward’: Asian nations get 1st shots
Many nations in the Asia-Pacific region are rolling out the first shots for COVID-19 this week.
Facebook says it will lift its Australian news ban soon
Facebook said on Tuesday it will lift its ban on Australians sharing news after a deal was struck with Australia's government on legislation that would make digital giants pay for journalism.
Australia to amend laws to make Google and Facebook pay
Australia’s government said on Tuesday it will amend draft laws that would make Google and Facebook pay for news to clarify that publishers would be paid in lump sums rather than per click on news article links.