Asked by: Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are taking steps to ensure that Commonwealth countries do more to tackle global health threats, such as malaria.
Answered by Lord Bates
The UK is a leader in accelerating malaria control through our contribution to the Global Fund, direct support to countries to develop and implement malaria policies, and our extensive research programme for new drugs, diagnostic and insecticides. Since it started work, the Global Fund has spent over £13.6bn in Commonwealth countries.
In addition, DFID supports a number of Commonwealth countries, for instance Ghana, to tackle health threats by strengthening their health systems – one of the most important methods to prevent, detect and respond to emerging and existing health threats.
Asked by: Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of Médecins Sans Frontières' rejection of EU funding in Sudan in response to the EU's policies on migrants attempting to reach Europe.
Answered by Baroness Verma
We were disappointed to learn about Médecins Sans Frontières' rejection of EU funding in Sudan. Sudan is a major source, host and transit country for migration. As such we remain committed to tackling the full range of migration issues in Sudan, including addressing the conflicts and the human rights situation, and supporting regional co-operation and efforts to stop people trafficking and smuggling through the ‘Khartoum Process’. Through DFID, we will deliver support that addresses the root causes of migration, and strengthen the basis for inclusive economic development and increased employment opportunities to encourage Sudanese people to better see their future in Sudan.
Asked by: Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the investment case prepared by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria ahead of its replenishment conference taking place in Montreal on 16 September.
Answered by Baroness Verma
The investment case projects that a successful replenishment will enable the Global Fund to save 8 million lives and avert up to 300 million new infections over the replenishment period 2017-2019.
The UK wishes to see a successful replenishment; the final decision on a UK contribution is yet to be made and will depend on a multitude of factors, including the outcome of DFID’s Multilateral Aid Review to be published later in the summer and discussions between the Chancellor and Secretary of State.
Asked by: Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for International Development:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what discussions the Secretary of State for International Development has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about replenishment of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Answered by Baroness Verma
The UK Government has enjoyed a successful partnership with the Global Fund to date. As the third largest donor for the replenishment period 2014-16, the UK’s investment will improve the lives of millions of people – helping to save approximately 580,000 lives through the prevention of 8.4m malaria, HIV and TB infections.
Earlier this year, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and I committed that the UK would spend £500 million a year battling malaria. The UK’s contribution to the replenishment of the Global Fund will play an important role in meeting the commitment.
The UK wishes to see a successful replenishment; the final decision on a UK contribution is yet to be made and will depend on a multitude of factors, including the outcome of DFID’s Multilateral Aid Review to be published later in the summer, and I look forward to discussing it with the Chancellor.