A team of technical specialists from the Australian Civilian Corps will spend the next 12 months in Samoa to help with its long-term recovery from Cyclone Evan.

Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Dr Stephen Henningham, said the deployment of up to seven specialists will complement the $7 million announced in February for reconstruction efforts following the disaster. This adds to the $2 million in emergency supplies delivered immediately after the cyclone hit in December 2012.

An Australia–Malaysia partnership is creating change through education in Afghanistan

A partnership between Australia and Malaysia is improving the quality of education in Afghanistan by revitalising the learning environment in its teacher-training colleges.

AusAID Director General Peter Baxter visited Solomon Islands’ National Referral Hospital this week to meet the Australian medical team assisting local health authorities to combat a major outbreak of dengue fever.

Health officials estimate there have been more than 3,700 cases of suspected dengue since late January, putting significant strain on the country’s health resources.

Explosive remnants of war contaminate more than 70 countries. They deprive communities of land and services and kill or injure more than 4,000 people every year. This week, the President of the Republic of Palau, HE Tommy Remengesau, and the Australian Ambassador to Palau, Mr Martin Quinn, announced Australia’s three-year, $3 million commitment to reduce the threat of unexploded ordnance in Palau.

‘Explosive remnants of war pose a serious threat to the lives of the people in the Pacific and are a significant barrier to development,’ Mr Quinn said.

India and Australia share some common challenges in water management: competition for water between states, ensuring water quality, and managing water resources in a changing climate. High rainfall, flooding and water scarcity can have a catastrophic effect on communities whether in Australia or India.

During her visit to India in October 2012, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the India–Australia Water Science and Technology Partnership to enhance cooperation on water management in the region.

Between 1998 and 2008, Zimbabwe experienced political polarisation and a deep economic crisis characterised by hyper-inflation and a cumulative GDP decline of about 50 per cent by 2008. Among the impacts of Zimbabwe’s decade-long economic collapse was the progressive deterioration in water supply and sanitation infrastructure across the country. The inability of local authorities to repair or maintain already ageing systems led to periodic outbreaks of water-borne diseases, including a devastating cholera outbreak which killed almost 5,000 people.

Australia and Bangladesh have signed a Statement of Commitment on development cooperation at high level consultations held in Dhaka this week. Last year Australia and Bangladesh celebrated 40 years of diplomatic relations, and development assistance has always been an important part of this relationship.

Improving access to clean water is a key focus of Australia’s aid program to Nauru. Over the past two years, AusAID has provided $1 million to construct 200 household water tanks that will help families store desalinated water and capture rainwater. This means more reliable access to drinking water for Nauruans.

Nauru is one of the smallest nations in the world. To complete a marathon, you would have to run around the entire country more than twice. This small space means capturing enough water for Nauru’s population is a challenge.

In the Republic of Palau, Australia’s support is helping to remove thousands of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) littered across the country, a legacy of World War II.

Today marks International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action and is a reminder to all Australians of the devastating impact landmines, cluster munitions and other explosive remnants of war have on communities, and the need to do more to support the eradication of these devices.