Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
AusAID is the Australian Government agency responsible for managing Australia's overseas aid program. AusAID plans and coordinates poverty reduction activities in partnership with developing countries, and provides funds research to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.
Many of RIAP's projects are supported by grants from AusAID's Public Sector Linkages Programs and the Australian Leadership Awards Fellowships.
Public Sector Linkages Programs (PSLPs)
The Asia PSLP is an AusAID funding scheme for projects aimed at improving public sector capacity for governance and management for nationally determined development outcomes in selected partner Asian countries.
Building the Preparedness and Response Capacity of the Pasteur Institute for Avian Influenza and Other Pandemic Diseases
RIAP successfully secured a PSLP grant for this large 18 month project aimed at minimising the potential public health impact of Avian Influenza and other Emerging Infectious Diseases in Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific by building the response capacity of the Pasteur Institute in Vietnam. Five researchers from the Pasteur Institute will receive training in international quality assurance and laboratory management systems in Sydney and Ho Chi Minh City. They will also be equipped with the skills to deliver training to their colleagues, thus ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability.
Infant Feeding in South Asia: How to Improve Infant Feeding and Reduce Infant Mortality Across the Region
RIAP collaborated with program leader, Associate Professor Michael Dibley from the School of Public Health, to secure funding and manage the implementation of this program aimed at reducing infant mortality in South Asia by improving infant feeding practices. The program engages with partners from health organisations across the region to research policy relevant information and develop innovative new approaches to infant feeding interventions. In early 2009 these partners participated in the third workshop of the South Asia Infant and Young Child Feeding Research Network (SAIFRN) held in Bangladesh.
Safeguarding Human Rights in the Criminal Justice System in Nepal
Funding was secured by RIAP for a 12 month research and training project aimed at promoting human rights in Nepal’s criminal justice system through the development of a legal curriculum and human rights training for Nepalese police and prosecutors. RIAP is coordinating the implementation of the project, which is led by Dr Ben Saul, Director of the Sydney Centre for International Law.
Australian Leadership Award Fellowships (ALAFs)
ALAF grants are funded by AusAID and available for short-term study, research, and professional attachment programs in Australia delivered by Australian organisations. Fellowships target current and emerging leaders from the Asia-Pacific region and foster existing linkages between community, civil society, private sector, research, academia and Australian government agencies.
Helping Health Systems Deliver – Tackling Obesity Among Adolescents in HCMC
This project aimed to improve the Vietnamese Government’s capacity to tackle the emerging child and adolescent obesity epidemic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Key stakeholders from Vietnam’s Department of Health, Department of Education and Training, and local researchers were bought together to examine obesity prevention in Australia and formulate effective responses. RIAP secured funding and coordinated the program which was led by Associate Professor Michael Dibley from the School of Public Health.
Laboratory Twinning for Research and Diagnosis of Emerging Infectious Diseases
RIAP is responsible for securing funding and managing the implementation of this program which aims to equip emerging leaders at the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City with experience in Australian standards of epidemiological, diagnostic and surveillance processes for emerging infectious diseases with pandemic potential. The Vietnamese leaders will participate in a series of professional attachments and research projects at the University of Sydney and associated institutions.