Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps the Government is taking to support governments in developing countries to build universal healthcare for children.

The UK supports countries to make progress in universal health coverage through building health systems that meet essential needs for all, including mother and children’s healthcare and prevention of diseases. DFID provides technical assistance and financial support directly to countries. For example, DFID is supporting Ethiopia’s health system by improving primary healthcare services to accelerate gains in adolescent, maternal and child health. In 2016-17, the programme contributed to over 1.3 million children receiving vaccinations against preventable childhood diseases. DFID’s investments in water, sanitation and hygiene and in nutrition also contribute to achieving universal health coverage and are essential for improving child health. DFID is also a leading donor to global health organisations such as Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, Unitaid and the World Health Organisation, and funds research and product development including for child health.