Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of strengthening TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment on (a) rates of antimicrobial resistance and (b) health systems around the world.

The UK Government recognises that strengthening TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment contributes to preventing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and strengthening health systems.

Drug-resistant TB currently accounts for one-third of all deaths from AMR. The UK is leading work on development of new antibiotics and treatment combinations and new ways to rapidly test for drug resistance. DFID’s support to the Global Fund helps to ensure rapid rollout of new tools. For example, UK funding has helped to roll out a new multi-drug-resistant TB treatment regimen in 30 countries where the Global Fund operates.

Strengthening TB prevention, diagnosis and treatment also contributes to strengthening broader health systems. The UK’s investment in the Global Fund is building national capability to deliver quality health services and contributing to Universal Health Coverage and to ensuring that no country and no person is left behind.